A case in Kentucky has gained widespread attention following the indictment of Laken Snelling, 21, a former University of Kentucky cheerleader and STUNT team member. In March 2026, a Fayette County grand jury charged her with first degree manslaughter in connection with the death of her newborn son.
The investigation began in August 2025 when Lexington police responded to her off campus apartment. During the search, officers located the infant’s body wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag that had been concealed in a closet. According to information in the arrest affidavit, Snelling acknowledged that she had given birth in the apartment and took steps to clean the scene and conceal evidence. Authorities stated that she was not present when officers arrived.
At the time, she was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was released to house arrest at her father’s residence in Tennessee and later withdrew from the University of Kentucky. Initial autopsy results did not determine a clear cause of death.
Subsequent findings from medical examiners changed the direction of the case. Updated results concluded that the baby had been born alive and died from asphyxia. Following that determination, prosecutors presented the evidence to a grand jury, which returned a first-degree manslaughter indictment in addition to the earlier charges. Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Kimberly Baird confirmed the grand jury’s decision, and an arrest warrant has been issued.
The case has prompted significant public discussion, including conversations about legal processes, forensic review, and available resources for individuals facing unexpected pregnancies. Topics such as hospital surrender options and safe haven laws have also been referenced in broader community dialogue. As the legal proceedings move forward, the court will determine the next steps in the case.
What would you decide?
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