The Inconclusive Autopsy: What We Know About The Laken Snelling Baby Death Case

The case of Laken Snelling, the former University of Kentucky student-athlete charged in connection with the death of her newborn baby, remains a complex and deeply unsettling legal mystery as of December 18, 2025. The most critical piece of evidence, the baby's autopsy report, has only deepened the public's confusion, with officials declaring the cause of death as inconclusive. This finding has significant implications for the serious charges Snelling currently faces, including abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence. The tragic and shocking discovery of the deceased infant in Snelling's residence in late August 2025 launched a high-profile investigation that captured national attention. The subsequent inconclusive autopsy means prosecutors must now navigate a challenging path to determine the newborn's fate and Snelling's ultimate responsibility, shifting the focus from the baby's death itself to the actions taken immediately following the birth.

Laken Snelling: Biography, Timeline, and Charges

Laken Ashley Snelling was a promising young woman whose life was seemingly upended by the tragic events of August 2025. Her background as a successful student and athlete has made the details of the case even more jarring to the public.

• Full Name: Laken Ashley Snelling
• Age: 21 years old (at the time of the incident)
• Education: Former student at the University of Kentucky (UK). She has since withdrawn from the university.
• Athletic Career: Member of the University of Kentucky STUNT team, often referred to in early reports as a cheerleader.
• Other Activities: Reportedly excelled in beauty pageants prior to the incident.
• Date of Incident/Discovery: Late August 2025.
• Location of Incident: A residence in Lexington, Kentucky, connected to the University of Kentucky.
• The Discovery: A newborn baby boy was found deceased, wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag, in her closet.
• Current Charges: Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
• Current Legal Status: Under house arrest with an electronic monitor, which was ordered by a judge.

The Autopsy Report: Inconclusive Cause of Death

The core of the legal mystery surrounding the case lies in the official findings from the Fayette County Coroner's office. The results of the baby boy's autopsy, which was conducted shortly after the discovery, were released and immediately complicated the investigation.

The report officially stated that the cause of the infant's death was inconclusive. This designation is a crucial factor that prevents prosecutors from pursuing more severe charges, such as murder or manslaughter, which require definitive proof that the child was alive at birth and died due to a criminal act or neglect.

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The baby's death was recorded as occurring on August 27. The inconclusive finding suggests that medical examiners could not determine whether the infant was stillborn or died shortly after birth from natural causes, or if the death was the result of trauma or neglect. This lack of a clear cause of death is common in cases involving newborns where the body has been concealed for some time or where the circumstances of the birth are unobserved.

For the prosecution, the focus must now pivot entirely to the post-birth actions of Laken Snelling. The charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence are directly related to the alleged concealment of the baby's body, regardless of how the infant died. The charge of concealing the birth of an infant also stands firm, as it only requires proof that the birth was hidden, not that the mother caused the death.

Legal Implications and The Path Forward

The inconclusive autopsy has created a significant legal challenge in the courtroom. Without clear evidence of homicide, the legal battle centers on the concealment and disposal of the body—the abuse of a corpse charge—and the deliberate attempt to hide the physical evidence of the birth and death.

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The details surrounding the birth are harrowing. Reports indicate that Snelling claimed to have heard a "whimper" after giving birth, suggesting the baby may have been alive for a brief period. However, this statement alone is not enough to overcome the medical examiner's inconclusive finding regarding the cause of death.

The charges Snelling faces are serious felonies in Kentucky. Tampering with physical evidence is a Class D felony, and abuse of a corpse is a Class A misdemeanor. The charge of concealing the birth of an infant is also a significant offense. The legal outcome will likely hinge on the state's ability to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Snelling knowingly and intentionally took steps to hide the body and the circumstances of the birth.

The Current Status of the Case

As of late 2025, the case is moving through the court system. Laken Snelling is no longer a University of Kentucky student, having withdrawn shortly after her arrest. Her current legal status is house arrest, a restriction imposed by the court. She is required to wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure compliance with her release conditions.

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Interestingly, some reports of her house arrest mentioned a "joint custody provision." While the details are not public, this suggests Snelling may have had, or currently has, another child, adding another layer of complexity and personal tragedy to her legal situation. This detail highlights the often-overlooked personal entities involved in such high-profile cases.

The next steps in the legal process will involve further discovery, motions filed by the defense and prosecution, and ultimately, a decision on whether the case will proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement. The inconclusive autopsy report will be the central point of contention, as the defense will undoubtedly use it to argue that no crime related to the baby's actual death can be proven.

The case continues to be a focal point for discussions about collegiate mental health, the pressures on student-athletes, and the profound need for access to resources for pregnant individuals, especially those attempting to conceal a pregnancy. The ultimate resolution of the Laken Snelling case will likely set a precedent for similar cases in Kentucky involving the tragic death and concealment of a newborn when the cause of death remains medically undetermined.