Laken Snelling Indicted in Newborn Death Case

Former University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader Laken Snelling, 22, has been indicted on charges of first-degree manslaughter and other felonies in connection with the death of her newborn baby. The case, which began unfolding in August 2025, has revealed disturbing details about the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and Snelling’s alleged attempts to conceal the birth.

Timeline of Events

On August 27, 2025, Snelling’s roommates reported hearing loud noises around 4 a.m., described as something falling and lasting for approximately an hour. A picture was also knocked off the wall due to the noise. Snelling later told her roommates that the noises were due to her passing out, attributing it to feeling unwell and not having eaten. She stated she was going to the doctor.

After Snelling left, her roommates, “curious” about her explanation, entered her bedroom. They discovered a “blood-soaked towel on the floor and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth,” prompting them to call the police.

During questioning, Snelling admitted to giving birth and concealing the birth by cleaning up evidence and placing the infant, wrapped in a towel, inside a black trash bag. She further stated that she passed out on top of the infant and awoke to find the baby “blue and purple.”

Indictment and Charges

A grand jury indicted Snelling on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, on charges of first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Fox 32 Chicago reported the indictment included allegations that Snelling “intentionally treated a corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities.”

Medical Examiner’s Findings

Testing conducted by the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office determined the infant was alive at the time of birth. The cause of death was ruled as “asphyxia by undetermined means.”

Current Status

Snelling was booked into the Fayette County Detention Center on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and released on a $10,000 bond paid by her father. She is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on April 10, 2026.