In a major development that could reshape the narrative around the tragic death of a newborn linked to former University of Kentucky STUNT athlete Laken Snelling, her ex-boyfriend Izaiah Hall has voluntarily submitted a DNA sample to Lexington police. The 21-year-old former college quarterback, who now plays for the University of the Cumberlands while studying business administration, provided the sample at the request of investigators seeking to determine whether he fathered Snelling’s infant son, whose body was found in a trash bag concealed in a closet at her off-campus Lexington home in August 2025.

Hall’s father, Justin Smith, confirmed the move to reporters but offered limited details. “I don’t know anything on this and we don’t know if Izaiah is the father or not,” Smith said, emphasizing the family’s limited knowledge of the situation. The DNA request marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation as Snelling, 22, faces an upgraded first-degree manslaughter charge in the infant’s death.

According to court records and police affidavits, Snelling gave birth alone in her bedroom around 4 a.m. on August 27, 2025. She told authorities she wrapped the baby boy in a towel, placed him along with cleaning supplies into a black trash bag, and hid the bag inside her closet. Roommates discovered the body after hearing loud crashing sounds that knocked a picture off the wall. One roommate later described the infant as “cold to the touch.”

The Kentucky Medical Examiner ruled that the baby was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means. Snelling reportedly stated she passed out on top of the newborn after delivery and woke to find him turning blue and purple. A Fayette County grand jury elevated the original charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence to first-degree manslaughter, citing evidence of intentional abuse while noting the actions took place under “extreme emotional disturbance.” Snelling has pleaded not guilty and remains on house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. She is no longer enrolled at the University of Kentucky or part of its athletics program.

Izaiah Hall, described as a physically imposing quarterback, had dated Snelling before she began a relationship with former college basketball player Conner Jordan. The exact timing of the pregnancy remains unclear, making the paternity test a potentially pivotal piece of evidence. Results have not been made public, and it is unknown whether they will factor into Snelling’s upcoming trial, currently scheduled for arraignment in April 2026.

The case has already drawn intense public scrutiny, further amplified by allegations from former high school classmates who have described Snelling as an “appearance-obsessed serial bully.” One classmate claimed she once tried to run a student over with her Jeep, though those claims have not been formally tied to the criminal proceedings.

Roommates recounted a chaotic night, exchanging panicked messages in a Snapchat group chat about loud noises lasting nearly an hour. Some had quietly suspected Snelling might be pregnant but never confronted her. Police secured a search warrant for her Snapchat account during the investigation. Snelling was not present when roommates found the body and called 911; she was taken into custody shortly afterward.

The tragedy has deeply affected the University of Kentucky community. The competitive STUNT program, known for its demanding athletic routines, once featured Snelling prominently. University officials have provided counseling resources to students and staff grappling with the news.

Legal observers note that paternity results could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the concealed birth, although the manslaughter charge centers primarily on Snelling’s alleged actions after the delivery. Cases of this nature often involve intricate questions of mental health, postpartum distress, and emotional disturbance — factors defense attorneys frequently emphasize in mitigation.

The broader discussion has highlighted the need for better support systems for young women facing unplanned pregnancies, particularly student-athletes under heavy pressure. Advocates continue pushing for expanded resources and safe options on college campuses.

As the investigation advances and Snelling’s case moves closer to trial, Izaiah Hall’s voluntary DNA submission adds another layer of complexity to an already devastating story. Whether or not Hall is the biological father, the infant’s brief life ended in tragedy, hidden away in a closet, leaving families, friends, and the public desperate for answers.

The full details of what occurred in that Lexington bedroom may take months to unfold in court. For now, the quarterback’s decision to provide DNA keeps the focus sharply on determining paternity while the manslaughter charges against the former cheerleader remain the central focus of one of Kentucky’s most disturbing recent cases.