Former Kentucky Cheerleader Charged with Manslaughter in Newborn's Death

Laken Snelling faces up to 20 years in prison after her newborn son was found dead in her closet.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:35pm

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A former University of Kentucky cheerleader, Laken Snelling, has been indicted on a first-degree manslaughter charge after the body of her newborn son was found in a closet in her off-campus residence. Police initially arrested Snelling in August 2025 after her roommates discovered the infant's body inside a trash bag hidden in a closet. The Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office determined the child was born alive and died of asphyxia, leading prosecutors to seek the enhanced manslaughter charge.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention due to the tragic nature of an infant's death and the serious charges Snelling now faces. It raises questions about mental health, postpartum depression, and the support systems available for new mothers, especially young college students. The outcome of this case could also set precedents regarding the legal treatment of newborn deaths in the state of Kentucky.

The details

According to the indictment, on March 10, 2026, a Fayette County grand jury returned a multi-count indictment against Snelling, adding a first-degree manslaughter charge to previously filed counts of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Police were initially called to Snelling's residence in late August 2025 after her roommates became concerned about an infant and discovered the newborn's body wrapped in a blood-soaked towel in Snelling's closet. Snelling allegedly cleaned up the scene and left the apartment before her roommates found the baby. In her initial police interview, Snelling claimed the baby was stillborn and that she had passed out on top of the infant, waking to find him 'turning blue and purple.' However, the medical examiner's report found the baby was born alive and died of asphyxia.

  • On March 10, 2026, a Fayette County grand jury returned a multi-count indictment against Snelling.
  • In late August 2025, police were called to Snelling's residence after her roommates discovered the newborn's body.
  • Snelling was initially arrested in August 2025 following the discovery of the infant's body.

The players

Laken Snelling

A 22-year-old former University of Kentucky cheerleader who has been indicted on a first-degree manslaughter charge and other related counts in connection with the death of her newborn son.

Fayette County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who have filed the charges against Snelling, including the first-degree manslaughter charge.

Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office

The office that determined the newborn was born alive and died of asphyxia, leading to the enhanced manslaughter charge.

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What they’re saying

“Other items could have also been deleted in an attempt to hide any evidence of the pregnancy, birth and newborn baby.”

— Police (ibtimes.co.uk)

“The baby was 'cold to the touch.'”

— One of Snelling's friends (ibtimes.co.uk)

What’s next

An arrest warrant has been issued for Snelling after the upgraded charges were filed. Her legal team and the prosecution are expected to meet in court in the coming weeks as the case moves toward trial.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater support and resources for new mothers, especially young college students, to address issues like postpartum depression and prevent such devastating outcomes. It also raises questions about the legal treatment of newborn deaths and the balance between compassion and accountability.