Full Breakdown
Former University of Kentucky Cheerleader Indicted for Manslaughter
3/14/2026, 10:40:50 PM
Overview of the Incident
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former cheerleader for the University of Kentucky, has been indicted on charges of first-degree manslaughter following the discovery of her deceased newborn son in her closet. The indictment was issued by a Fayette County grand jury on March 10, 2026, after the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the infant was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means. The incident occurred on August 27, 2025, when Snelling allegedly gave birth in her off-campus residence in Lexington.
Details of the Case
According to court records, Snelling's roommates reported hearing unusual noises coming from her room around 4 a.m. on the day of the birth. After Snelling left for McDonald's, her roommates entered her room and found a blood-soaked towel and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth. They subsequently discovered the newborn inside a black plastic bag in the closet and called 911, noting that the infant was "cold to the touch."
Initially, Snelling claimed to police that the baby had fallen on the floor after birth and that she did not believe he was alive. She later stated that she passed out on top of the baby and woke to find him turning blue and purple. Investigators noted that Snelling had taken photos during labor but deleted them in an apparent attempt to conceal the birth.
Legal Proceedings
Snelling was initially charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Following the grand jury's decision, she now faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the manslaughter charge, along with an additional 11 years for the other charges if convicted. Snelling has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently under house arrest at her family home in Tennessee. She withdrew from the University of Kentucky following her arrest.
Official Statements & Responses
Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Kimberly Baird stated that the grand jury was presented with information regarding homicide and deliberated before deciding on the manslaughter charge. The indictment described Snelling's actions as treating a corpse in a manner that would "outrage ordinary family sensibilities."
Criticism & Opposition
The case has drawn significant public attention and criticism, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding the birth and subsequent actions taken by Snelling. Critics have expressed outrage over the treatment of the infant's body and the implications of Snelling's alleged concealment of the birth.
What's Next
Laken Snelling is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on April 10, 2026. The legal proceedings will continue as the case unfolds, with potential implications for Snelling's future and the broader discourse surrounding maternal health and legal accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were given the information about homicide, the four levels of homicide and then deliberated and decided that manslaughter first degree was the charge that should come out of the grand jury,” — Kimberly Baird, Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney
- “intentionally treated a corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities,” — Indictment statement regarding Snelling's actions.
