LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT/Gray News) – Kentucky authorities are updating their investigation into the death of an infant.
On Wednesday, Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said a preliminary autopsy was completed on the baby who was found dead last week in a trash bag inside a closet of an area home.
According to Ginn, the infant was a baby boy, but his cause of death remains inconclusive.
“I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child,” Ginn said in the coroner’s report. “We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
The Lexington Police Department said its investigation started last Wednesday when officers received a call for an unresponsive infant at a home on Park Avenue in Lexington.
Police say they found the baby’s body wrapped in a towel in a black trash bag that was left inside a closet.
The infant was pronounced dead at the scene, with the boy’s mother, later identified as 21-year-old Laken Snelling, arrested.
Snelling is facing charges of concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse.
She was arrested over the weekend and pleaded not guilty during a Tuesday court appearance.
Court records showed that the 21-year-old must remain in home incarceration and live with her parents after posting bail.
Snelling is a senior at the University of Kentucky, a university spokesperson confirmed. She is also a member of the school’s stunt team.
Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 26.
Authorities did not immediately release who initially called them about the baby.
Lexington police said the department’s special victims section is continuing the investigation.
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