An arrest warrant has been issued for Laken Snelling, a 22-year-old former cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, following the tragic death of her newborn son in August 2025. The infant was discovered deceased in a closet at her off-campus residence, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag.
Legal Charges and Indictment
On Wednesday, Snelling was formally indicted on charges of first-degree manslaughter related to the incident. This development comes after she had been under house arrest since September, when initial charges were filed against her. Those earlier charges included abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant, to which she pleaded not guilty.
Potential Prison Sentence
If convicted on the manslaughter charge, Snelling could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Additionally, the remaining charges carry a potential of up to 11 years, bringing the total possible imprisonment to 31 years. Authorities are actively seeking her arrest as reported by local news outlet WKYT.
Background and Investigation
Police reports indicate that Snelling's friends suspected she had been hiding her pregnancy prior to the birth. Allegedly, she disposed of the newborn shortly after giving birth in August. Photographs from April of the previous year show Snelling performing with the University of Kentucky's STUNT team, with what appears to be a visible pregnant bump on her stomach, adding context to the timeline of events.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case has drawn significant attention due to Snelling's background as a cheerleader and the severe nature of the allegations. The investigation continues as authorities work to locate and apprehend her following the issuance of the arrest warrant. The legal process will proceed once she is in custody, with the manslaughter charge now at the forefront of the prosecution's case.
