Tragedy and Prevention: The Case of Laken Snelling and Safe Haven Baby Boxes
In late August 2023, a heartbreaking story unfolded in Lexington, Kentucky, when 21-year-old Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader, was arrested on charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. The tragedy began on August 27 when police responded to a call about an unresponsive infant at Snelling’s home. Authorities discovered the newborn, described as “cold to the touch,” hidden in a closet. During questioning, Snelling admitted to giving birth and concealing the evidence, including wrapping the infant in a towel and placing it in a black trash bag along with cleaning supplies used to remove evidence of the birth. On September 2, she pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on a $100,000 bond. Currently, she is under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 26.
What makes this tragedy particularly poignant is that, according to Fox 56 News, Lexington had installed its first Safe Haven Baby Box earlier that same year, just ten minutes from Snelling’s residence. Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a legal, anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender newborns safely. These specially designed boxes are installed on exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals across the country. They feature an exterior door that locks automatically once a baby is placed inside, while an interior door allows medical personnel to quickly retrieve the infant and provide immediate care. This system ensures both the baby’s safety and the parent’s anonymity, offering a humane alternative for those who feel unable to care for a newborn.
Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, expressed her frustration about the situation to Fox 56: “What’s frustrating to me is that she didn’t choose something safe for her and her child because now we have a dead infant, and now we also have a mother that’s probably going to spend the rest of her life in prison, which both of those could have been avoided.” Kelsey’s statement highlights the dual tragedy of the situation – not only the loss of an infant’s life but also the devastating legal and emotional consequences for the young mother. Safe Haven laws exist precisely to prevent such outcomes, allowing parents to surrender newborns without fear of prosecution, provided the baby is unharmed and surrendered in a designated safe location.
Kelsey believes there’s a strong possibility that Snelling simply didn’t know about the Safe Haven Baby Box option so close to her home. This points to a critical gap in public awareness about these life-saving resources. “We’re being reactive to a dead infant,” Kelsey lamented, “And I hate that, because I want to be proactive. I want people to know that these boxes exist. These boxes are working throughout the country. We just need to make sure that everyone knows about it.” Her words underscore the urgent need for better education and outreach about Safe Haven options, particularly among young people who might find themselves in desperate situations with seemingly no way out.
The case of Laken Snelling reflects broader societal issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies, the stigma of unwanted children, and the psychological distress that can lead to tragic decisions. Young women like Snelling often face overwhelming fear, shame, and isolation when confronting an unexpected pregnancy. Without knowledge of available resources or support systems, some resort to dangerous and illegal actions out of desperation. This case serves as a stark reminder of how crucial it is to create comprehensive sex education programs that include information about pregnancy options, including Safe Haven laws. Additionally, reducing stigma around unplanned pregnancies and creating more supportive environments for young parents could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As this case moves through the legal system, it raises important questions about justice, compassion, and prevention. While the legal system must address the serious charges against Snelling, the case also demands that we examine how society failed this young woman and her child. The Safe Haven Baby Box organization continues to expand its network across the United States, working to ensure that no parent feels their only option is to abandon or harm their newborn. For those seeking information about Safe Haven Baby Box locations throughout the country, resources are available online. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the vital importance of awareness, education, and compassionate alternatives for parents in crisis – and how a simple piece of knowledge about a resource just ten minutes away might have changed everything for both Laken Snelling and her infant.
