In a shocking case out of Lexington, Kentucky, Lake Snelling, a former college cheerleader and beauty queen, is facing serious charges related to the tragic death of her newborn son. Snelling is currently under house arrest after being accused of concealing the birth and disposing of the infant’s body in a closet at her apartment. Recent developments in the investigation include her ex-boyfriend reportedly submitting a DNA sample to police, raising questions about the child’s paternity and potential further charges.
The case began on August 27, when authorities were called to Snelling’s residence after reports of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, police discovered the baby, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag. According to an arrest citation, Snelling allegedly admitted to giving birth to the baby boy and later concealed his birth by cleaning the scene and disposing of evidence alongside the body. While the initial autopsy was inconclusive, it remains uncertain whether the baby was born alive or stillborn.
Lake Snelling was a member of the University of Kentucky’s competitive cheerleading team and had been a prominent figure within the community. However, following her arrest, she withdrew from the university and is no longer part of the cheer squad. In court, she pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond without an ankle monitor, living with her parents as she awaits further court proceedings.
Investigators are now focusing on determining the identity of the baby’s father. Reports indicate that Snelling’s ex-boyfriend, who dated her prior to her current relationship, has cooperated with law enforcement by providing a DNA sample. The outcome of these tests may play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. As of now, it remains unclear if Snelling knows the identity of the child’s father or if he is willing to come forward.
The circumstances surrounding the case have drawn attention to Snelling’s public persona, which portrayed her as a vibrant and aspirational individual, often sharing her dreams of motherhood on social media. However, former classmates have described a contrasting image, alleging that she exhibited troubling behavior during high school, including incidents of bullying.
As the investigation continues, legal experts emphasize the importance of establishing the circumstances of the baby’s death. If it is determined that the infant was born alive, charges against Snelling could escalate significantly, potentially leading to serious criminal implications. Conversely, if the autopsy confirms a stillbirth, the legal ramifications may be less severe.
Snelling’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 26, where further developments in the investigation are expected to unfold. The case has sparked widespread public interest and concern, with many awaiting clarity on the tragic events that led to the loss of an innocent life.