Former UK Student Indicted for Infant's Death

Laken Snelling faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, after allegedly giving birth and concealing the infant's remains.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A former University of Kentucky athlete has been indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree manslaughter, after allegedly giving birth to a child and putting the infant's remains in a garbage bag at her home in Lexington, Kentucky. Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested in August after police found the infant's remains and has since withdrawn from UK, where she was previously a member of the school's STUNT team.

Why it matters

This tragic case raises concerns about access to prenatal care and mental health resources for young, expectant mothers, as well as the need for stronger policies and support systems to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The details

According to the arrest citation, Snelling gave birth to the infant in her bedroom around 4 a.m. and the baby fell to the floor. Snelling told police she didn't think the baby was breathing or alive, and after staying awake for 30 minutes, she fell asleep on top of the newborn. When she woke up, the infant was 'turning blue and purple,' so Snelling wrapped the baby in a towel and laid next to it before going back to sleep. She later cleaned up the blood and afterbirth, placed the towel-wrapped baby in a trash bag, and tossed the placenta in the bag as well.

  • Snelling gave birth around 4 a.m. on an unspecified date.
  • Snelling was arrested in August 2026.

The players

Laken Snelling

A 21-year-old former University of Kentucky athlete who has been indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree manslaughter, in the death of her infant.

University of Kentucky

The school where Snelling was previously a member of the STUNT team before withdrawing after the incident.

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What they’re saying

“She didn't think the baby was breathing or alive.”

— Laken Snelling (Arrest Citation)

“She then wrapped her baby in a towel 'like a burrito' and laid next to the newborn on the floor of her bedroom, which 'gave her a little comfort in the moment,' according to the affidavits.”

— Laken Snelling (Arrest Citation)

What’s next

Snelling's case will proceed through the criminal justice system, and the judge will determine whether to allow her to remain out on bond at her parents' home in Tennessee.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater access to prenatal care, mental health resources, and support systems for young, expectant mothers to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and ensure the wellbeing of both mothers and infants.