Manner of death for infant found in trash bag 'undetermined,' Lexington coroner says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The manner of death for a dead infant found in a Lexington, Kentucky, closet is "currently undetermined," according to the coroner's office.

Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said in a news release that the preliminary autopsy has been completed but the findings are inconclusive.

In the cause of death, Ginn writes that "extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death."

Lexington police arrested 21-year-old Laken Snelling on Saturday morning at her home in the 400 block of Park Avenue, near the University of Kentucky campus, after responding to a report of a dead infant found in a closet, according to court documents.

A UK spokesperson confirmed to WDRB that Snelling is a senior at the university and a member of the stunt team.

Police said the baby was found in a closet, “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag.”

According to her citation, Snelling admitted to police she gave birth and concealed it by cleaning up and placing cleaning items inside the same black trash bag where the baby was found. Court documents say she treated the “corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities.”

"I understand the community's concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child," Ginn writes in the report. "The death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee and as well as those in the Commonwealth. We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered. This death investigation remains open pending the results of these studies. There is no additional information that can be released at this time. There will be updates as our death investigation continues. Please keep the family and friends as well as the University of Kentucky friends in your thoughts and prayers."

Snelling is charged with concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse. She pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday and posted a $100,000 bond on Monday.

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UK student charged after dead infant found in trash bag, police say