What charges does Laken Snelling face?

Laken Snelling has been indicted on first-degree manslaughter charges, in addition to earlier charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

What was the cause of the baby's death?

The Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office determined that the baby was born alive and died from asphyxia.

What is the potential prison sentence for Laken Snelling?

If convicted of the first-degree manslaughter charges, Laken Snelling faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, with an additional 11 years possible for the remaining counts.

Home / Crime and Justice / Ex-UK Cheerleader Faces Manslaughter Charges

Ex-UK Cheerleader Faces Manslaughter Charges

12 Mar

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Summary

Laken Snelling indicted on first-degree manslaughter charges.
Baby was born alive and died from asphyxia.
Snelling faces up to 20 years for manslaughter.

Ex-UK Cheerleader Faces Manslaughter Charges

Laken Snelling, a 22-year-old former cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, faces first-degree manslaughter charges following the death of her newborn son. She was indicted by a Fayette County grand jury after a report from the Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the baby was born alive and died from asphyxia.

The indictment stems from events in August 2025 when Snelling allegedly gave birth secretly and left her baby in a closet. Her roommates discovered the infant deceased in a blood-soaked towel within a plastic bag. Snelling was initially arrested on charges including abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.

Currently under house arrest in Tennessee, Snelling has pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges. The new manslaughter indictment carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years, in addition to other charges. Court documents reveal Snelling's internet searches indicated she was concealing her pregnancy. She is scheduled for arraignment on April 10, 2026.

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