LEXINGTON, Kentucky — Laken Snelling, 21, a former University of Kentucky cheerleader, now faces first-degree manslaughter charges after a grand jury indictment in connection with the death of her newborn son. The indictment, handed down Tuesday by a Fayette County grand jury, adds to her previous charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

According to authorities, the tragic incident occurred on August 27, 2025, when Snelling allegedly gave birth alone in her off-campus Lexington home. Her roommates reportedly heard unusual noises from her room that morning. Later, they discovered the newborn wrapped in a trash bag inside a closet and called 911 after finding the infant cold to the touch.

Snelling told police the baby had dropped to the floor after birth and appeared unresponsive. She claimed she passed out on top of the child and awoke to find him turning blue and purple. She allegedly wrapped him in a towel, placed him in a bag, cleaned up the blood, showered, and left the house. During that time, she reportedly ordered food from McDonald’s and considered visiting a campus clinic but did not. When she returned, authorities were waiting and arrested her.