Tragic Death of Newborn Leads to Manslaughter Indictment for Former Kentucky Athlete
A former University of Kentucky student-athlete is now facing serious felony charges after a heartbreaking case that has shaken the Lexington community and raised troubling questions about responsibility and accountability.
Laken Snelling, 21, once a member of the university’s stunt team, was indicted this week by a Fayette County grand jury on charges including first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. The charges stem from the death of her newborn son, whose body was discovered inside a closet last August.
According to law enforcement, officers responded on Aug. 20 to a report of an unresponsive infant. When they arrived, they found the baby wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say Snelling allegedly hid the pregnancy and birth. Court records indicate that she later told medical staff at the University of Kentucky hospital that she heard her baby “whimper” after delivery and believed he may have been alive. The affidavit also noted there was observable fetal movement shortly after birth.
Authorities allege Snelling claimed she remained awake for approximately 30 minutes following the delivery before losing consciousness and collapsing on top of the child. When she awoke, she reportedly said the newborn was “turning blue and purple.”
Despite these details, prosecutors say rather than calling for help, Snelling placed the baby’s body in a trash bag and hid him in a closet. Court documents further state that the infant was cold to the touch when located by police.
The grand jury was presented with the full range of potential homicide charges before deciding on first-degree manslaughter. Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Kimberly Baird confirmed that jurors reviewed the legal definitions of homicide before determining that manslaughter in the first degree was the appropriate charge based on the evidence.
Allegations of Concealment and Deleted Evidence
Investigators say the case includes disturbing elements of concealment. According to the affidavit, Snelling’s roommates reportedly heard loud noises around the time of the birth. She allegedly told them she had fainted due to not eating and needed medical attention. She later picked up food from McDonald’s and went to the student health clinic — but did not go inside.
Police also stated that a review of her cellphone revealed deleted photographs related to labor and evidence of the pregnancy, actions that led to the tampering with physical evidence charge.
Initially, Snelling was charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, and abuse of a corpse. Following the grand jury’s review, the first-degree manslaughter charge was added. She has pleaded not guilty to the original charges.
A Community Demands Accountability
At the time of her arrest, university officials confirmed that Snelling was a senior at the institution. The tragic circumstances have left many in the community stunned, particularly given her status as a student-athlete at a respected public university.
This case underscores a brutal and painful reality: every innocent life deserves protection. The death of a newborn is not just a legal matter — it is a moral one. As this case moves through the justice system, many Kentuckians will be watching closely to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that justice is served.
The grand jury’s indictment signals that prosecutors believe there is enough evidence to move forward. Now, the courts will determine the outcome. In the meantime, a tiny life lost far too soon remains at the center of a case that has deeply unsettled a proud American community.
Every child deserves a fighting chance at life — and every community deserves truth and accountability.
