A former University of Kentucky cheerleader, Lake Snelling, is under scrutiny after being accused of concealing the death of her newborn baby, whose body was allegedly found in a closet by her roommates. The incident reportedly occurred on August 27, when police responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant in Snelling’s off-campus residence.
Court documents reveal that Snelling gave birth to a full-term baby, which she initially claimed was alive. However, upon investigation, it was discovered that the child was found wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag. Following her arrest, Snelling admitted to giving birth and to concealing the evidence, including cleaning supplies and the infant’s body.
Newly released court filings detail Snelling’s account of the events following the birth. She stated that she gave birth around 4 a.m. and believed the baby was not breathing. After allegedly falling asleep next to the baby, she claimed to have found the infant unresponsive when she woke up. Disturbingly, she described wrapping the baby in a towel and placing the body in a trash bag before attempting to clean up the scene.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Snelling left her home to attend a class, although she later revealed that she did not go to class but instead ordered food through a mobile app. Her roommates, who had suspected something unusual, discovered the blood-stained towel and the baby’s body, prompting them to call the authorities.
Snelling faces several charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges. Currently out on a $100,000 bond, Snelling is now subject to stricter conditions, including wearing a GPS monitoring device and residing solely at her father’s house in Tennessee as she awaits a grand jury’s decision on potential indictments.
As the case unfolds, questions remain about the identity of the baby’s father, as Snelling had been in relationships with multiple individuals during her pregnancy. Prosecutors are gathering evidence, including Snelling’s social media activity, which could provide further insights into her mental state during the pregnancy and the circumstances surrounding the birth.
The legal implications of Snelling’s actions could escalate if the grand jury finds sufficient grounds to pursue more severe charges, such as manslaughter or even murder. Legal experts note that determining Snelling’s intentions and mental state will be crucial in the prosecution’s case. The defense may argue that the trauma of giving birth alone in her room could have significantly impacted her mental capacity at the time.
As the community grapples with the disturbing nature of this case, many are left wondering how such a tragic situation could unfold in what appeared to be a typical college environment. The case continues to develop, with more details expected as it moves through the judicial process.
