Lexington, KY – September 5, 2025 — A tragic case has shaken Kentucky after the ex-girlfriend of Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston was arrested when authorities discovered the body of a newborn hidden inside her student residence near the University of Kentucky.
According to the Lexington Police Department, 21-year-old Laken Snelling has been charged with concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. The investigation began on August 27 when officers responded to a report of an unresponsive baby. On arrival, they discovered the infant wrapped in a towel and placed in a black trash bag inside a closet.
A preliminary autopsy ruled the cause of death as “currently undetermined,” with further microscopic testing still underway. Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn explained: “We understand the concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child. This remains an ongoing, careful investigation to ensure all facts are considered.”
The case has drawn NFL attention because Snelling previously dated Maxwell Hairston, a standout defensive back at Kentucky drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Hairston, 22, earned First-Team All-SEC honors in 2023 and was projected as a starting cornerback for Buffalo before a preseason knee injury placed him on injured reserve.
Snelling was arrested on August 31 and initially booked into Fayette County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond. She later posted bond and was released to her parents’ home in Tennessee. Court documents show she has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on September 26 for a preliminary hearing.
Investigators revealed that Snelling admitted to “concealing the birth” by cleaning up evidence and placing the items, along with the baby, inside the trash bag.
While Hairston has not been linked to the incident beyond his past relationship, the news has cast a shadow over his early NFL journey. For the University of Kentucky community, the case has added another layer of tragedy, intertwining a rising football star’s name with one of the most disturbing investigations in recent memory.
