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Ex-Cheerleader Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter Charges

4/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Laken Snelling, an ex-University of Kentucky cheerleader, pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Authorities allege she killed her newborn son and hid his body in a trash bag.
She gave birth on August 27 and left the infant to die in a closet, facing up to 20 years.
A pretrial conference is set for May 14 with a status hearing on June 12.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade established abortion as a constitutional right, allowing women autonomy over their reproductive choices. By the late 1970s, approximately 1.5 million abortions occurred annually. The ongoing case of Laken Snelling, charged with manslaughter for her newborn's death, highlights persistent societal debates over motherhood and reproductive rights, echoing tensions from Roe's legacy.

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Story summary

Laken Snelling, an ex-University of Kentucky cheerleader, pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Authorities allege she killed her newborn son and hid his body in a trash bag.
She gave birth on August 27 and left the infant to die in a closet, facing up to 20 years.
A pretrial conference is set for May 14 with a status hearing on June 12.

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