Former University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling pleaded guilty to charges connected to the death of her newborn son. The infant was found inside a black trash bag in a closet at a Lexington residence in August 2024. Snelling told a court that she deprived the baby of oxygen after giving birth unexpectedly. She faces up to 10 years in prison under the plea agreement.
The case involved charges including first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Snelling initially pleaded not guilty before changing her plea during a Friday court hearing.
| 1) | Plea entered in infant death case |
| 2) | Events surrounding the newborn’s death |
| 3) | Police response and evidence |
| 4) | Prosecutors’ plea agreement |
| 5) | Potential sentence and next steps |
Plea entered in infant death case
Laken Snelling, 22, changed her plea in Fayette County court after previously denying the charges. She had been a student-athlete and member of the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team. The plea relates to the death of her newborn son, whose remains were discovered at a residence in Lexington on August 27, 2024.
During the hearing, Snelling described experiencing significant emotional stress and said the baby arrived unexpectedly. When Judge Diane Minnifield asked how the infant died, Snelling replied, “I deprived him of oxygen.” She also acknowledged that she did not seek help after the birth and later cleaned up.
Events surrounding the newborn’s death
According to court documents, Snelling told investigators that she heard the newborn whimper after delivery and believed he might be alive. The documents also referred to slight fetal movement. Snelling said she remained awake for about 30 minutes before passing out on top of the baby.
When she awoke, she said the newborn appeared blue and purple. Officials said she believed the baby had died, wrapped him, and placed him beside her because doing so provided comfort. She later told roommates she planned to see a doctor after fainting because she had not eaten.
Police response and evidence
Lexington police responded to a report of an unresponsive infant on August 27, 2024. Officers found the child’s remains inside a black trash bag in a closet, and authorities described the body as cold. Snelling was arrested several days later.
Investigators also reviewed Snelling’s phone and found that photographs related to labor, along with evidence of the pregnancy, had been deleted. After the birth, she reportedly picked up food from McDonald’s and went to a student health clinic but did not enter the facility. The case was presented to a Fayette County grand jury, which returned an indictment.
Prosecutors’ plea agreement
Kimberly Baird, the Commonwealth’s attorney, said the defense approached prosecutors after the case had been prepared for grand-jury consideration. Baird said the grand jury returned a first-degree manslaughter indictment and later recommended the plea offer that prosecutors accepted.
“This was a case that needed to go straight to the grand jury anyway, as opposed to just entering a plea,” Baird said.
The indictment included first-degree manslaughter as well as allegations involving the handling of the body, evidence, and concealment of the birth. The guilty plea resolves the criminal case without a trial, while the court determines the sentence under the agreement.
Potential sentence and next steps
Snelling faces up to 10 years in prison. The available account does not specify the date of sentencing or the precise terms of the final judgment. Her attorney and the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office were contacted for comment.
The prosecution is based on the events at the Lexington residence, the subsequent police investigation, and Snelling’s statements to medical personnel and investigators. The plea hearing established her admission to the conduct described in court, while sentencing remains the next major stage of the case.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Laken Snelling pleaded guilty in connection with her newborn son’s death. |
| 2 | The infant was found in a black trash bag inside a closet in Lexington. |
| 3 | Snelling told the court that she deprived the baby of oxygen. |
| 4 | Police arrested Snelling days after responding to the August 2024 report. |
| 5 | She faces a possible prison term of up to 10 years. |
Summary
The guilty plea by Laken Snelling concludes the trial phase of a case stemming from the death of her newborn son in Lexington in 2024. Her statements, the discovery of the infant’s remains, and digital evidence formed part of the investigation. Sentencing will determine the final legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling is a 22-year-old former University of Kentucky student-athlete who was a member of the school’s STUNT team.
What did Snelling plead guilty to?
She pleaded guilty to charges connected to the death of her newborn son, including first-degree manslaughter and related allegations involving the body, evidence, and concealment of the birth.
Where was the infant found?
Police found the infant’s remains inside a black trash bag in a closet at a Lexington residence on August 27, 2024.
What sentence could Snelling receive?
Snelling faces up to 10 years in prison. The reported account does not provide a sentencing date or final sentence.