Kentucky Cheerleader Gets 10 Years for Killing Newborn, Hiding Body in Closet
Former University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling sentenced to 10 years for killing newborn and hiding body in closet.
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A former University of Kentucky cheerleader has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing her newborn son and hiding his body in a trash bag in her closet. Laken Snelling, 22, pleaded guilty in Fayette Circuit Court on August 21 to first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. The judge imposed 10 years for manslaughter and one year for each remaining charge, with the sentences running concurrently, according to WKYT.
Emotional Stress Led to Tragedy
“I was under a lot of emotional stress and my baby came unexpectedly,” Snelling said during the plea hearing. “And instead of helping him, I ended his life and afterwards I cleaned up and didn’t tell anyone.”
Former Kentucky cheerleader has pleaded guilty to killing her newborn baby and stuffing him in a trash bag in her closet, claims she was under “emotional stress.”
Roommates Discover Baby’s Body
Snelling’s roommates discovered the baby in August 2025 after questioning her account of noises they had heard from her room, LEX18 reported, citing court records. They said they heard loud noises around 4 a.m. Later that morning, Snelling said she had passed out, had not been feeling well, and planned to seek medical attention.
Body Found in Closet
The roommates found the baby wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag in her closet. Police were called, and Snelling was arrested four days later, according to WKYT. Her roommates also told the 911 operator that they found a “blood-soaked towel on the floor and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth.”
Medical Examiner’s Findings
The Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the infant was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means. A Fayette County grand jury subsequently indicted Snelling on a first-degree manslaughter charge, LEX19 reported.
Admitting to the Crime
Snelling initially pleaded not guilty earlier this year, but later changed her plea and admitted killing her son by depriving him of oxygen.
Relatives Mourn Lost Future
At Friday’s sentencing, relatives mourned the future they had hoped to share with the baby, McCoy Cade Hall, the New York Post reported. One female relative said, “As a grandparent, you imagine the memories you’ll make with your grandchildren.” She said she was looking forward to “first words, kisses, and all the little moments that become lifelong memories.”
“You look forward to watching them grow and seeing the person they become,” she added. “For Cade, those possibilities were taken away before he ever had the chance to experience them.”
Source: Daily Wire
