Ex‑University Of Kentucky Cheerleader Indicted On First‑Degree Manslaughter After Newborn’s Body Found Hidden In Closet
Ex‑University of Kentucky Cheerleader Indicted on First‑Degree Manslaughter After Newborn’s Body Found Hidden in Closet
A Fayette County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky student and cheerleader, with first‑degree manslaughter and related felonies in connection with the death of her newborn baby, authorities said.The grand jury on March 10, 2026, voted to indict the 21‑year‑old Snelling on the following charges:
- First‑degree manslaughter
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Concealing the birth of an infant (Class A misdemeanor)
A first‑degree manslaughter charge was added after forensic tests showed the infant was born alive but later died, prosecutors said.
According to court and police records:
- On Aug. 31, 2025, Lexington Police Department officers responded after roommates of Snelling reported loud noises and blood in her off‑campus apartment.
- Inside a closet, officers discovered a newborn baby boy’s body, wrapped in a towel and placed in a black trash bag.
- An autopsy conducted by the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office determined the baby was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means, prompting the grand jury to upgrade charges to manslaughter.
Snelling, who was a member of the university’s competitive stunt team, was initially charged last year with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She pleaded not guilty to those charges and was placed under house arrest at her family’s home in Tennessee.
Court filings indicate Snelling told investigators she gave birth alone, and at one point said she heard the newborn “whimper” after birth and may have passed out beside him before later placing the body in the closet. Evidence from a search of her phone reportedly showed deleted photos related to the pregnancy and birth. Roommates said they had suspected Snelling concealed her pregnancy, citing unusual behaviour and noises at the apartment prior to the discovery of the infant’s body. Under Kentucky law, a conviction for first‑degree manslaughter carries a potential prison sentence of 10–20 years. Additional prison time could be imposed for the other felony counts if Snelling is found guilty. No date for Snelling’s next court appearance has been announced, but legal experts say the case will proceed to trial where prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that her actions caused the infant’s death.
