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Ex-Cheerleader Indicted for Manslaughter in Newborn's Death
11 Mar
Summary
- Laken Snelling indicted for manslaughter after baby was born alive.
- Infant's death ruled asphyxia by undetermined means.
- Snelling admitted to cleaning evidence and concealing the infant.

Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky cheerleader, faces manslaughter charges following the death of her infant. A grand jury indicted her on March 10, 2026, including charges of first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing birth. This indictment came after testing indicated the baby was alive when allegedly hidden in a trash bag in Snelling's Lexington, Kentucky, home in August 2025. The Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office determined the infant died from asphyxia by undetermined means.
Authorities arrested Snelling on August 30, 2025, after a third party reported finding an infant cold to the touch. Snelling admitted to giving birth and then concealing the evidence, including the infant, in a trash bag. Court records from September 2025 reveal Snelling told authorities she believed the baby was alive when she gave birth and that she heard a whimper before concealing the body. She pleaded not guilty to all charges in September 2025 and was released on $100,000 bond with house arrest. Snelling was previously a member of the university's STUNT cheerleading team.




