Former Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snelling Pleads Guilty in Newborn’s Death

Laken Snelling, 22, a former member of the University of Kentucky cheerleading/STUNT team, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2026, in connection with the death of her newborn son.

Snelling pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, along with charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

The case stems from an incident in August 2025, when the newborn boy was found dead at an off-campus residence. Authorities discovered the baby wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black plastic bag in a closet.

During her court appearance, Snelling admitted that she had “deprived him of oxygen” and said she did not provide medical assistance to the baby after giving birth.

Snelling had previously pleaded not guilty in April 2026, but changed her plea to guilty on August 21.

Her sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2026, when the court will determine her punishment for the offenses.

Source: Fox news