The tragic and controversial case of Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old University of Kentucky cheerleader, has taken a new turn after newly released court documents revealed her shocking admission: she now claims that her newborn baby was born alive and that she heard the infant “whimper” before she allegedly placed it in a trash bag and hid it in her closet. These revelations have left many questioning whether Snelling could face murder charges as the case continues to unfold.

Laken Snelling, previously a member of the university’s STUNT team, has been arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Initially, Snelling had told police that she believed the baby was stillborn, but her recent statements to doctors and police have cast doubt on her original account, revealing a much more complex and tragic scenario.

The Birth and Aftermath

According to court documents obtained by Law&Crime and reported by the student-run University of Kentucky outlet The Kentucky Kernel, Snelling’s troubling journey began in the early hours of August 27, 2025. On that day, Snelling allegedly gave birth to a full-term baby boy in her off-campus home. However, after the birth, Snelling initially claimed that the baby had fallen to the floor and that she did not believe he was breathing or alive.

In a deeply troubling account, Snelling told police that she had passed out following the birth, “falling on top of the baby,” and when she woke up, she saw the baby “turning blue and purple.” Believing the child to be dead, Snelling said she wrapped the baby in a towel and “laid next to it,” finding comfort in the moment.

However, the case took a disturbing turn when Snelling reportedly admitted to doctors that the baby had shown “a little bit of fetal movement” and had made a “whimper”—indicating that the infant was born alive. She described the moment as her “last goodbye,” as she shared her feelings of hopelessness and the decision to end the life of her child in the most unimaginable way.

A Mother’s Desperate Actions

In the moments following the infant’s death, Snelling’s actions took a chilling and desperate turn. She allegedly wrapped the newborn like a “burrito” in a towel before placing him in a trash bag and hiding it in her closet. The police report suggests that Snelling cleaned up the blood in her room and showered before taking a series of steps to conceal her actions.

Once her roommates became suspicious of the noises they had heard during the night, Snelling allegedly lied to them, claiming that she was sick and would be going to a doctor. The roommates, who were unaware of Snelling’s pregnancy, did not suspect anything more sinister at the time.

However, the truth began to surface after one of Snelling’s roommates discovered the newborn’s body. After hearing odd sounds, the roommate reportedly went into Snelling’s room and found the lifeless infant hidden in the closet. Concerned for her safety and unsure of what to do, the roommate called the police, leading to the arrest of Snelling shortly after.

Livestreaming the Tragedy

To make matters even more disturbing, Snelling had been livestreaming the events leading up to the tragic incident. During her Instagram livestream, she told her viewers that it was her “last goodbye” and expressed that she could “no longer take it anymore.” She mentioned that she loved her children, but believed they would be “safe with God,” while making comments about going to hell for what she was doing.

The livestream, which has since been shared widely across various platforms, left viewers deeply concerned about Snelling’s state of mind. Relatives who watched the video later expressed alarm and heartbreak at the raw emotions displayed during the broadcast. Her final remarks, recorded for all to see, left many wondering how someone could reach such a breaking point.

The Legal Fallout: Will She Face Murder Charges?

Following her arrest, Laken Snelling has been charged with multiple crimes, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Despite the shocking nature of the incident, Snelling has pleaded not guilty to the charges and waived her preliminary hearing. She is currently out on bond under home incarceration, living with her parents in Tennessee as she awaits further legal proceedings.

While the charges against Snelling are serious, there has been significant discussion about whether she could ultimately face more severe charges, such as murder or manslaughter. The medical examiner’s office has not yet definitively ruled on the cause of death for the infant, and the ongoing investigation will likely play a key role in determining whether Snelling will face additional charges.

At this stage, legal experts suggest that Snelling’s admission to hearing her baby “whimper” could potentially open the door for more serious charges. If it can be proven that the child was alive when she placed him in the trash bag, there may be grounds for charges related to the infant’s death, particularly if evidence shows that Snelling intentionally or recklessly caused harm to the newborn.

Mental Health Considerations and the Role of the Safe Haven Law

In the wake of this tragedy, many have questioned whether Snelling’s actions were the result of mental health issues, extreme emotional distress, or an unwillingness to face the consequences of her pregnancy. The case raises troubling questions about the pressures facing young women who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant and the lengths to which they might go to conceal the birth.

Critics have pointed to the availability of the Safe Haven Law in all 50 states, which allows a parent to safely surrender a newborn at designated locations, such as hospitals or fire stations, without facing legal consequences. Experts argue that Snelling’s decision to hide the pregnancy and give birth in secret reflects a desperate failure to seek help, which might have spared the infant’s life and protected her from making such a tragic choice.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The case has left the University of Kentucky community in shock. Snelling, who was a member of the STUNT cheerleading team, has since dropped out of the university and is no longer involved in any athletic activities. Students, faculty, and alumni alike have expressed disbelief at the news and the disturbing details that have emerged from the investigation.

As Snelling’s case moves forward, many are asking what steps can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future and how society can better support women in crisis. The tragic death of the newborn has prompted calls for increased awareness of mental health resources, support for young women facing unplanned pregnancies, and better education about the Safe Haven Law.

Final Thoughts: A Tragic Story of Loss and Consequences

Laken Snelling’s case is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of emotional and mental distress, and the complex nature of dealing with unplanned pregnancies. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the ultimate cause of the infant’s death and whether Snelling will face additional charges. What is certain, however, is that this tragic story will have a lasting impact on all involved—particularly the young mother who now faces serious criminal charges and the tragic loss of a child that will haunt her for the rest of her life.