Laken Snelling, the 22-year-old former University of Kentucky competitive STUNT team member, has been indicted on first-degree manslaughter in the death of her newborn son, whose body was discovered last August inside a black trash bag hidden in a closet at her off-campus Lexington home. The shocking case has taken an even darker turn as former high school classmates have come forward with disturbing allegations, describing Snelling as an “appearance-obsessed serial bully” who once allegedly attempted to run a fellow student over with her Jeep.

Snelling was initially arrested in late August 2025 on charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. According to court documents and police affidavits, she admitted giving birth alone in her bedroom around 4 a.m. on August 27, 2025. She told investigators she wrapped the baby in a towel, placed him along with cleaning supplies into a trash bag, and hid the bag in her closet. Roommates discovered the body after hearing loud thumping noises that knocked a picture off the wall. One roommate said the infant felt “cold to the touch.”

The Kentucky Medical Examiner ruled the baby boy was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means. Snelling reportedly told police she passed out on top of the newborn after delivery and woke to find him turning blue and purple. A grand jury upgraded the charges to first-degree manslaughter, citing evidence of intentional abuse of the infant while noting the actions occurred under “extreme emotional disturbance.” Snelling has pleaded not guilty and was released on $10,000 bond. She is no longer enrolled at the University of Kentucky or affiliated with its athletics program.

The case has now drawn intense scrutiny after former Tennessee high school classmates began speaking publicly. Sydney Kite, who attended school with Snelling, described her as a “serial bully” who targeted multiple students, including Kite’s own sister. In one of the most alarming claims, Kite alleged that Snelling once tried to run over one of her closest friends with her Jeep. “The bullying got so bad my friend had to be pulled out of school and transferred elsewhere because Laken had taken it so far,” Kite told reporters. Other former classmates echoed similar stories, portraying Snelling as fixated on appearance and quick to lash out violently when angered.

These bullying allegations have not been formally linked to the current criminal case by authorities, but they have fueled widespread online outrage and speculation about Snelling’s character and possible patterns of behavior. Snelling’s legal team has not issued a public response to the new claims.

Additional court details paint a grim picture of the night in question. Roommates had been communicating in a Snapchat group chat, reporting loud noises lasting nearly an hour. Several had privately suspected Snelling might be pregnant, though none confronted her. Police obtained a search warrant for her Snapchat account as part of the investigation. Snelling was not present when roommates found the body and called 911; she was taken into custody shortly afterward.

The University of Kentucky community has been deeply shaken. Snelling had been a visible member of the competitive STUNT team for three years. University officials have made counseling services available to students and staff affected by the news.

As the legal case proceeds, Snelling remains on house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. The first-degree manslaughter charge carries serious penalties, though the “extreme emotional disturbance” provision could play a role in any potential sentencing. Legal experts note that cases involving concealed pregnancies and postpartum issues often involve complex mental health factors.

The tragedy has sparked broader discussions about hidden pregnancies among college athletes, mental health support in high-pressure athletic environments, and the lasting impact of school bullying. Advocates are calling for improved resources for young women facing unplanned pregnancies while balancing academic and athletic demands.

From a promising student-athlete on the cheer and STUNT scene to a manslaughter defendant facing life-altering accusations, Laken Snelling’s story has unfolded rapidly. The newborn’s brief life ended in tragedy, concealed in a closet, while questions about the mother’s actions — both on that August night and in her earlier years — continue to surface. As the case moves toward trial, the full truth of what happened in that Lexington bedroom may finally come to light, offering some measure of closure to a community still reeling from shock and grief.