Coroner: Further testing needed to determine Lexington baby’s cause of death
The Fayette County coroner was unable to determine the cause of death of an infant found dead inside a Lexington home last week.
Coroner Gary Ginn released a preliminary report Wednesday that said further testing would be necessary to determine the cause and manner of death.
The baby was a boy, Ginn confirmed.
The findings come one week after the baby’s body was found inside a trash bag in a closet at a Park Avenue home.
Ginn said “extensive microscopic analysis” was required to determine how the baby died.
“I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child,” Ginn said in a news release.
“This death (affects) many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee as well as those in the Commonwealth. We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all the facts are carefully considered.”
Laken Snelling, 21, was charged with abuse of a corpse, evidence tampering and concealing a birth.
Snelling admitted to Lexington officers she had cleaned up after giving birth and put cleaning supplies and the infant in the trash bag.
Snelling is a University of Kentucky senior from White Pine, Tennessee, outside Knoxville. She studies interdisciplinary disability at UK and is a member of the university STUNT Team, according to the school’s website.
Snelling is not a UK cheerleader. STUNT is a women’s athletic program derived from cheerleading that focuses on technical and athletic skills like partner stunts, pyramids, tosses, jumps, tumbling and team routines.
At her first court appearance Tuesday afternoon, Snelling entered a plea of not guilty. She is out of jail on a $100,000 bond.
Her preliminary hearing before a district judge is scheduled for Sept. 26.
This story was originally published September 3, 2025 at 8:32 PM.
