Kentucky Cheerleader Allegedly Hid Newborn’s Birth, Left Baby in Closet Before McDonald’s Run

A shocking case has emerged out of Kentucky involving Laken Snelling, a University of Kentucky cheerleader, who allegedly delivered her baby in secret, took selfies during labor, and then left the newborn hidden in a closet before going out for McDonald’s, according to newly unsealed court records. (People, New York Post).

Court documents reveal that Snelling’s phone contained selfies and images of herself during labor, as well as pictures of her engaging in activities that “ordinary pregnant women should not be doing.” Investigators say the images were later deleted “in an attempt to hide the birth,” and they suspect additional photos may have been permanently destroyed before her arrest.

Disturbing Discovery by Roommates

Police say that after giving birth in her campus-area apartment, Snelling allegedly placed the baby boy inside a trash bag. While she was out, her roommates — who had been disturbed by noises coming from her room the night before — entered and discovered a blood-soaked towel, signs of childbirth, and eventually the infant inside a closet. When they found the child, he was “cold to the touch,” prompting them to call 911 immediately. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

The cause of death remains undetermined, pending a full autopsy. A preliminary report has not clarified whether the infant was still alive when he was placed in the bag.

Conflicting Statements to Police

Snelling initially told officers that the baby had fallen on the floor after delivery and that she believed he was not breathing. She claimed she wrapped him “like a burrito” and laid next to him for comfort before eventually placing him in the trash bag the following morning. Court filings also note that Snelling admitted to medical staff that the newborn had shown “a little bit of fetal movement” and made a “whimper” sound after birth — suggesting he may have been alive longer than she initially said. (People)

She allegedly showered, cleaned up the blood, and placed the placenta in a plastic bag before skipping both her morning classes and a scheduled clinic visit. Instead, she went to McDonald’s, according to the affidavit.

Criminal Charges and Court Proceedings

Snelling has been charged with concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges. After her arrest, Snelling withdrew from the University of Kentucky and is no longer a member of the school’s STUNT cheer team. She is currently under house arrest pending trial. (New York Post, WKYT)

Broader Context

This case has shocked both the university community and the broader public. Legal experts note that Kentucky has a Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to legally and anonymously surrender newborns at designated locations such as hospitals, fire stations, or police stations without facing criminal prosecution, as long as the baby is unharmed. Advocates argue that cases like Snelling’s highlight the urgent need for more awareness and education about these laws. (Courier-Journal)