Ex-Kentucky student indicted on manslaughter charges after baby found dead in closet

Laken Snelling faces multiple charges including first-degree manslaughter in the death of her newborn child.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:48pm

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A former University of Kentucky student athlete, Laken Snelling, has been indicted on charges including first-degree manslaughter after a newborn baby was found dead in her home. The Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office determined the baby boy was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means.

Why it matters

This tragic case raises serious questions about postpartum mental health, the support available for young mothers, and the legal implications when a newborn dies under such circumstances. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and resources to address issues of infant mortality and maternal wellbeing.

The details

Snelling was initially charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant after the baby was found wrapped in a towel, inside a trash bag, in a closet of her Park Avenue home on August 28, 2025. The new first-degree manslaughter charge was filed after the Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office determined the baby was born alive and died from asphyxia.

  • The baby was found on August 28, 2025.
  • Snelling was indicted by a grand jury on March 11, 2026.

The players

Laken Snelling

A former University of Kentucky student athlete who has been indicted on charges including first-degree manslaughter in the death of her newborn child.

Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office

The office that determined the baby was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means.

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What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and the judge will determine if Snelling will be allowed bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for greater resources and support for new mothers to prevent such devastating tragedies, as well as the complex legal and ethical issues that arise when a newborn dies under unclear circumstances.