University of Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snelling Charged After Newborn Found Dead
What You Need to Know About Child Neglect in Indiana Law
Indiana: The shocking arrest of University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling has sent shockwaves through social media and sparked difficult conversations about pregnancy, childbirth, and criminal law. The 21-year-old was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing birth after her newborn was found dead in a closet. While this case unfolded in Kentucky, it raises critical questions about how similar charges would be handled right here in Indiana: and what families need to know if they ever find themselves facing these devastating circumstances.
The Laken Snelling Case: What Happened
On August 27, 2025, police responded to a call about an unresponsive infant at an off-campus apartment in Lexington, Kentucky. What they found was tragic: Snelling's newborn wrapped in a trash bag, hidden in a bedroom closet. According to court documents, Snelling had given birth around 4:00 a.m. but told her roommates she had simply fallen and felt sick.
The investigation revealed disturbing details. Police found deleted phone evidence showing Snelling had researched pregnancy-related topics and taken photos during labor. When questioned, Snelling admitted to giving birth but gave conflicting accounts: first claiming the baby wasn't breathing, then later telling medical staff the infant had shown "fetal movement" and made a "whimper" after birth.
Snelling was charged with three felony offenses in Kentucky, posted a $100,000 bond, and is now under house arrest while awaiting trial. She has since withdrawn from the University of Kentucky.
What These Charges Would Mean in Indiana
While Snelling's case is being prosecuted in Kentucky, Indiana families need to understand how similar charges would be handled here. The stakes are incredibly high, and the legal consequences can be life-altering.
Indiana's Abuse of a Corpse Laws
In Indiana, abuse of a corpse is covered under Indiana Code 35-45-11-2. This statute makes it a Level 6 felony to o knowingly or intentionally mutilate a corpse, have sexual conduct with a corpse, or open a casket to commit such acts. However, if the abuse involves concealment of a death or tampering with evidence, the charges can escalate to felony level.
The penalties are serious in Indiana:
- Class A misdemeanors: Up to 1 year in jail and $5,000 in fines
- Level 6 felonies: 6 months to 2.5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
- Level 5 felonies: 1 to 6 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
Neglect of a Dependent
If there's evidence a newborn was born alive, Indiana prosecutors might also pursue charges under the state's neglect of a dependent statute (Indiana Code 35-46-1-4). This is where things get extremely serious.
Neglect resulting in death becomes a Level 1 felony: one of the most serious charges in Indiana's criminal code, carrying:
- 20 to 40 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Potential life sentence in extreme cases
Evidence Prosecutors Will Use Against You
The Snelling case demonstrates how quickly digital evidence can destroy a defense. In Indiana, prosecutors have sophisticated tools to recover deleted content, search histories, and communications. They'll scrutinize:
- Phone records and internet searches: Any pregnancy-related searches, medical inquiries, or attempts to hide pregnancy
- Social media activity: Posts, messages, and deleted content can be recovered
- Medical records: Hospital visits, doctor appointments, or medical consultations
- Physical evidence: Blood, DNA, clothing, or other biological materials
- Witness statements: Roommates, friends, family members who suspected pregnancy
Time is critical. Once law enforcement has a search warrant, they can seize all electronic devices and recover evidence you thought was permanently deleted.
The 48-Hour Rule: Why Immediate Legal Action Matters
Indiana law enforcement moves fast in these cases. Within 48 hours of an arrest, you could face:
- Formal charges filed
- Bond hearing where prosecutors argue for high bail or no bail
- Search warrants executed on your home, car, and electronic devices
- Interviews with family, friends, and associates
Every statement you make: whether to police, medical staff, or even family: can be used against you in court. The window for protecting your rights closes quickly.
Why "Just Being Honest" Can Destroy Your Case
One of the most dangerous mistakes defendants make is thinking honesty will help them. In the Snelling case, her statements to police provided crucial evidence for prosecution. She admitted to:
- Giving birth and handling the infant
- Wrapping the baby "like a burrito"
- Hiding the body in the closet
- Taking and then deleting photos during labor
Each statement became evidence against her. In Indiana, anything you say can and will be used against you: even expressions of grief, confusion, or emotional distress.
Your Constitutional Rights Don't Wait
The moment you're under investigation: not just when you're arrested: you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Use them. Law enforcement officers are trained to gather evidence, not to help you avoid charges.
Indiana's Approach to Maternal Mental Health
Indiana recognizes that postpartum mental health issues can affect decision-making, but this rarely provides a complete defense. Instead, mental health evidence might be used for:
- Plea negotiations: Reducing charges or securing alternative sentencing
- Mitigation at sentencing: Arguing for the lower end of sentencing ranges
- Treatment-based alternatives: In some cases, securing treatment instead of traditional incarceration
However, mental health defenses require expert testimony and comprehensive documentation: evidence that must be gathered immediately by experienced defense counsel.
How We Fight These Cases
At the Law Office of Mark Nicholson, we've handled the most serious criminal charges in Indiana, including murder cases and complex felonies involving vulnerable victims. Our aggressive defense strategy includes:
Immediate Action:
- Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Challenging search warrants and police procedures
- Securing mental health evaluations and expert witnesses
- Negotiating with prosecutors before formal charges are filed
Evidence Protection:
- Preserving favorable evidence before it disappears
- Challenging the reliability of digital evidence
- Investigating law enforcement's handling of physical evidence
- Documenting constitutional violations
Alternative Strategies:
- Negotiating plea agreements that avoid the harshest penalties
- Pursuing treatment-based sentencing when appropriate
- Fighting for bond modifications and pre-trial release
- Preparing for trial when negotiations fail
The Stakes Are Too High to Wait: Indiana Child Neglect Lawyer
Cases like Snelling's remind us that one moment can change everything. A confused, traumatic decision made during an emotional crisis can result in decades in prison. Indiana prosecutors are aggressive, and they have extensive resources to build cases against defendants.
If you or someone you know is facing an investigation for:
- Abuse of a corpse
- Concealing birth
- Neglect of a dependent
- Any charges related to infant death
Don't wait. Every hour matters.
Call the Law Office of Mark Nicholson immediately at (317) 219-3402. We provide 24/7 consultations because criminal investigations don't wait for business hours. Our experienced criminal defense team knows how to protect your rights from the very beginning and fight aggressively for your freedom.
Your life isn't over, but your defense starts now.
