Former University of Kentucky Student Pleads Guilty in Newborn Son’s Death

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Laken Snelling, a 22-year-old former University of Kentucky student, has pleaded guilty to charges connected to the death of her newborn son in 2025.

Snelling entered guilty pleas Friday to first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant.

The case began in August 2025, when authorities were called to Snelling’s off-campus home after an infant was found deceased. An investigation determined that the baby had been born alive and subsequently died.

Emotional Court Appearance

Snelling became emotional during Friday’s hearing as she acknowledged responsibility for her son’s death.

The plea agreement required her to provide the court with an account of what happened. She told the judge that she had been under significant emotional stress when the unexpected birth occurred and that she failed to seek help for the baby.

The court accepted her guilty pleas, bringing an end to a case that had remained unresolved for roughly a year.

Former University Student

Snelling had been a student at the University of Kentucky and was involved with the school’s STUNT team.

Following her arrest, she withdrew from the university.

The case received significant attention because of the circumstances surrounding the unexpected birth and the subsequent investigation. Authorities spent months examining what happened before a grand jury indictment was issued earlier this year.

Sentencing Set for October

Prosecutors have recommended 10 years in prison for the manslaughter charge, plus an additional three years for the other offenses.

The judge will determine the final sentence and whether the terms will be served consecutively or concurrently.

Snelling’s sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2026.

The guilty plea means the case will no longer proceed to trial, but the upcoming sentencing hearing will determine the final punishment.