Student Pleads Guilty in Newborn's Death

Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky student-athlete, has entered a guilty plea to a first-degree manslaughter charge in connection with the death of her infant son in August 2025. She emotionally recounted the events, stating that she was under significant stress and her baby's arrival was unexpected. Snelling confessed to depriving her child of oxygen, then cleaning the scene and disposing of the infant and towels in a plastic bag without informing anyone.

In addition to manslaughter, Snelling pleaded guilty to abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She waived her right to a trial. Her sentencing is set for October 16. Prosecutors are seeking a 10-year sentence for manslaughter, plus additional time for the other offenses. The infant was allegedly born alone in Snelling's bedroom on August 27, 2025, with roommates discovering the tragic scene after hearing suspicious noises and investigating.