A 21-year-old American college cheerleader has appeared in court after being accused of hiding the birth of her baby, who was later discovered dead inside a garbage bag.

Lake Snelling, a student at the University of Kentucky, showed up in court on Tuesday, September 2, wearing a red dress and makeup for her first hearing before a judge.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was ordered to remain under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee while awaiting trial.

Snelling, who allegedly confessed to giving birth before her arrest, had earlier shared photos on social media showing her baby bump back in June.

Other recent posts also revealed her visible stomach, raising questions about whether she had been hiding the pregnancy.

After posting a $100,000 bond, Snelling was released without an ankle monitor and is scheduled to return to court on September 26.

According to police, officers were called to Snelling’s home in Lexington after reports of a deceased infant found inside a closet on Wednesday morning.

The baby was declared dead at around 10:30 a.m. at the scene.

An arrest report stated the infant was discovered wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag.

Investigators said Snelling admitted to covering up the birth by cleaning up evidence and then hiding the supplies and the newborn in the trash bag.

The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling has been part of its competitive cheerleading “STUNT team” for the last three seasons.

In a statement, the school said: “We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons. All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police.”