In a troubling case that has captured public attention, Lake Snelling, a former college cheerleader and beauty queen, faces serious charges following the discovery of her newborn son’s body in her apartment closet. The investigation has taken a significant turn, as reports indicate that Snelling’s ex-boyfriend has submitted a DNA sample to police in connection with the case, raising questions about paternity and potential further charges.
The incident came to light on August 27 when police in Lexington, Kentucky, responded to a report of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, they found the baby wrapped in a towel and concealed in a black trash bag. Snelling, who is currently on house arrest and has withdrawn from the University of Kentucky, allegedly admitted to giving birth to the child, a boy, and subsequently concealed the birth by cleaning the scene and disposing of evidence.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus is shifting to the identity of the child’s father. Information has surfaced that a male acquaintance of Snelling, who dated her before her current relationship, provided a DNA sample to law enforcement. The results of this sample could be pivotal in determining the child’s paternity, as well as any further implications for Snelling.
While Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant, it is important to note that the case is not currently classified as a murder investigation. An initial autopsy returned inconclusive results regarding the cause of death, and further testing is underway to ascertain whether the baby was born alive or stillborn.
Snelling’s cheerleading career at the University of Kentucky has come under scrutiny, as video footage from months prior to her arrest shows her participating in competitions, raising questions about whether she was aware of her pregnancy at that time. Social media posts portray Snelling as a vibrant young woman with aspirations of motherhood, contrasting sharply with the gravity of her current situation.
Friends and acquaintances have shared mixed recollections of Snelling’s character, with one former classmate alleging past instances of bullying behavior. These claims, while not directly related to the case, may contribute to the public’s perception of her as the investigation continues.
Snelling appeared in court wearing a red dress and pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. Her bond has been set at $100,000, and she is living with her parents without an ankle monitor. As the legal proceedings move forward, the court will ultimately determine her fate based on the evidence presented, including the results of the ongoing investigations.
Retired NYPD detective David Sarnney emphasized the complexity of the case, noting that determining the cause of death will be crucial in shaping the charges against Snelling. The investigation must also delve into her social media activity and communications to uncover any relevant information regarding her awareness of the pregnancy and the circumstances surrounding the birth.
As the community grapples with the implications of this case, many await the forthcoming results from the autopsy and DNA tests, which could significantly influence both the legal proceedings and public sentiment surrounding this tragic situation. Snelling’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 26, where further developments are anticipated.