Few stories chill the soul. This is one of them. Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old University of Kentucky student and cheerleader, now faces criminal charges after police say they found a newborn baby inside a trash bag at her off-campus apartment.
Snelling, who seemed to have her life mapped out, classes, cheerleading, and a relationship with former college basketball player Connor Jordan, saw everything collapse on August 31. Officers responding to her home on Park Avenue discovered an infant wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black bag. The baby did not survive.
SIGNIFICANT UPDATE: (*this case has previously been covered by TCU)
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) September 4, 2025
⚠️ WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of the death of an infant.
University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling, 21, has appeared in court to plead not guilty to charges of hiding her dead… pic.twitter.com/8gyc0lfJiE
According to the arrest citation, Snelling admitted to cleaning the scene and hiding evidence. She has been charged with Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Concealing the Birth of an Infant. On September 2, she entered a not guilty plea. Released on a $100,000 bond, she is now living with her parents in Tennessee while awaiting her next court date on September 26.
The case has pulled in wider attention. The New York Post linked Snelling to Jordan, who played basketball at King University, Tusculum, and Lincoln Memorial. Social media posts showed the two close together, though authorities have not confirmed whether he was the baby’s father.
The University of Kentucky confirmed Snelling has withdrawn and is no longer affiliated with its STUNT cheerleading program. “The university has no relationship with her following her arrest,” spokesperson Jay Blanton stated.
The Fayette County Coroner’s office labeled the baby’s cause of death “inconclusive,” with lead investigator Gary Ginn noting the need for further analysis. “I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child,” Ginn said.
If convicted, Snelling faces up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. For now, investigators continue their work, and both Kentucky and Tennessee communities grapple with the weight of the case. Lexington Police urge anyone with information to come forward.