Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky student and competitive cheerleader, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from the death of her newborn son, whose body was discovered inside a closet at her off-campus Lexington home last year. During a court hearing on August 21, 2026, the 22-year-old admitted that the baby was born alive and acknowledged that she deprived him of oxygen before attempting to conceal the birth and the child’s death.
Snelling Admits to Killing Her Newborn Son
Snelling entered guilty pleas to first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant.
During the emotional hearing, Snelling told the court that she was experiencing significant emotional stress when the baby arrived unexpectedly. She acknowledged that, rather than helping the newborn, she caused his death by depriving him of oxygen.
The case began in August 2025 after police were called to Snelling’s Lexington residence following the discovery of an unresponsive infant. Investigators found the baby wrapped in a towel and placed inside a plastic bag in a bedroom closet.
The Kentucky medical examiner later determined that the infant had been born alive and died from asphyxia, although the precise manner in which the asphyxia occurred could not be determined.
Investigation Revealed Attempts to Conceal the Birth
According to investigators, Snelling initially gave different accounts about what happened after she gave birth. She later told authorities that she had lost consciousness after the delivery and subsequently found the baby discolored and unresponsive.
Police also found evidence indicating that efforts had been made to conceal the birth. Snelling acknowledged putting the baby’s body into a plastic bag and disposing of other items associated with the delivery in an attempt to hide what had happened.
Her roommates ultimately discovered evidence that something was wrong and contacted authorities. The discovery led Lexington police to begin an investigation that resulted in Snelling’s arrest and criminal charges.
Snelling was a University of Kentucky student and member of the school’s STUNT competitive cheerleading team at the time of the incident. She later withdrew from the university.
Prosecutors Recommend 13-Year Sentence
Snelling had previously pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge. Her guilty plea changes the course of the case as prosecutors now recommend a combined sentence of 13 years.
Under the recommendation, prosecutors are seeking 10 years for first-degree manslaughter, along with one year each for abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant.
Snelling is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on October 16, 2026. The judge will determine the final sentence at that hearing.
