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Grand Jury to Weigh Case of Ex-UK Student After Newborn Found in Closet

Pending microscopic autopsy results could determine the charges.

Overview

  • Laken Snelling, 21, waived a preliminary hearing on September 26, sending the Fayette County case to a grand jury while she remains on $100,000 bond and home incarceration in Tennessee.
  • Affidavits describe roommates hearing loud noises around 4 a.m. on August 27 and Snelling later telling police she passed out after giving birth.
  • Records say she awoke to find the infant turning blue and purple, wrapped him in a towel, and put him with the placenta into a trash bag in her closet.
  • Hospital statements cited in court documents say she heard a whimper and saw slight movement, and officials reported the baby appeared full term and was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • A phone search uncovered pregnancy-related queries and deleted labor photos; the University of Kentucky confirms she is no longer enrolled, and about 10 former classmates attended her latest court appearance.