Laken Snelling Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Manslaughter

LEXINGTON, Kentucky — October 16, 2026

Laken Snelling, a 22-year-old former University of Kentucky cheerleader, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of her newborn son.

Snelling received her sentence on Friday, October 16, in Fayette Circuit Court. She had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

How the Case Began

The case dates back to August 27, 2025, when police responded to a residence in Lexington, Kentucky, following reports of an unresponsive infant.

According to authorities, Snelling’s roommates became concerned after hearing unusual noises and discovering blood in her room. They subsequently found the newborn boy wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag in a closet.

The infant was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the baby had been born alive and died from asphyxia, although the exact circumstances of the death were not determined.

Snelling’s Guilty Plea

During her August 2026 plea hearing, Snelling acknowledged responsibility for her son’s death.

She told the court that the birth had been unexpected and that she had been experiencing significant emotional stress. She also admitted that she failed to seek help for the baby and subsequently concealed what had happened.

Her guilty plea covered four charges, including first-degree manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence.

What Happened at Sentencing?

On Friday, the judge sentenced Snelling to a total of 10 years in prison. Prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence as part of the plea agreement.

During the sentencing hearing, the court also heard from members of the baby’s family, who described the lasting emotional pain caused by his death and the milestones they would never get to experience with him.

The judge acknowledged the devastating impact of the case on the family and emphasized that the loss would have lasting consequences.

Snelling’s attorneys said she was deeply saddened by what happened and had taken responsibility for her actions.

A Tragic Case

The case has attracted widespread attention because of the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and Snelling’s position as a former university cheerleader.

Her sentencing brings a significant legal development in a case that began with the discovery of the newborn in August 2025.

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