Coroner says cause of death for baby Snelling remains undetermined

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn says the preliminary findings in the death of the infant known as “Baby Snelling” remain inconclusive.

In a release, Ginn said extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death, which are currently undetermined.

Officials say they were called to a home on Park Avenue last Wednesday morning after the baby was found unresponsive. According to Lexington police, the infant was discovered wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag in a closet.

Court records show the child’s mother, 21-year-old Laken Snelling, is facing charges of concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse.

UK officials confirm Snelling is a senior at the university and a member of the school’s stunt team. Her citation reveals that, after being read her rights, Snelling admitted to giving birth and attempting to conceal it by cleaning up evidence and placing the infant, along with cleaning materials, into the trash bag.

Snelling entered a not guilty plea in court Tuesday. She remains under a $100,000 surety bond and is required to live with her parents while the investigation continues.

The Lexington Police Department’s Special Victims Section is leading the investigation.