Mystery still surrounds the exact cause of death of college cheerleader Laken Snelling’s newborn, who was found dumped in a trash bag in her campus room — as former classmates also accused her of being an “appearance-obsessed serial bully.”
Snelling, a 21-year-old member of the University of Kentucky’s stunt team, wore a glamorous red dress and makeup as she was supported by her dad in court this week to plead not guilty to a slew of charges over her baby’s shocking death late last month.
An autopsy showed that her newborn was a boy, but did not determine exactly how he died before he was dumped in a closet, according to WKYT.
“I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child,” Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said in the coroner’s report seen by the outlet. “We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
Snelling pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday to concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse.
She appeared solemn and spoke only briefly to agree with the judge’s order. She was seen holding the hand of her father, Terry Snelling, a construction company supervisor based in Jefferson City, MO.
It comes as the family of one of Snelling’s former classmates branded the student an “appearance-obsessed serial bully” who even tried to run down a fellow student with her Jeep.
“She was obsessed with her appearance, very obsessed with being popular and fitting in,” Sydney Kite told the Daily Mail, accusing Snelling of mercilessly bullying her sister and some of her friends.
“Laken had many, many people that she took her personal anger out on. My sister was one of them,” said. Kite, who wenr to the same high school.
“While in high school, she tried to run over one of my closest friends with her Jeep. The bullying got so bad my friend had to be pulled out of school and transferred to another because Laken had taken it so far.”
Snelling’s family did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
Snelling, who was arrested on Sunday, was ordered to remain in home incarceration and live with her parents after posting $100,000 in bail, court records show.
Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sep. 26.
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