A Kentucky grand jury has added manslaughter charges against a former University of Kentucky student accused in the death of her newborn, who was found dead in a trash bag in her closet last August.
Background
Laken Snelling, from Tennessee, was a senior studying interdisciplinary disability at the University of Kentucky and a member of the university's STUNT team, which incorporates athletic and technical components of cheerleading and gymnastics. She withdrew from the school after her arrest.
Snelling had participated in beauty pageants back in Tennessee, serving as Jefferson County's Fairest of the Fair in 2023. Her social media shows continued connection to pageants in Jefferson County.
On August 27, a 911 call reported an unresponsive baby that was "cold to the touch." Investigators found the dead infant, wrapped in a towel and stuffed into a trash bag in Snelling's closet. Police found her about an hour later.
The Investigation
Snelling reportedly admitted to giving birth and then cleaning up the scene. The dead infant was found next to cleaning supplies in her closet.
According to court records, Snelling didn't believe the baby was breathing after she gave birth and she passed out on top of him. When she recovered, he was blue and not breathing.
The state Medical Examiner's Office determined that the baby boy was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means. Court records indicate the infant displayed some fetal movement before she passed out on him, including a "whimper."
A search of Snelling's phone found searches about pregnancy and photos of her during labor. Some of those photos were deleted, according to the affidavit.
Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney Kimberly Baird told WKYT that the grand jury considered multiple options for Snelling before settling on manslaughter.
"They were given the information about homicide, the four levels of homicide and then deliberated and decided that manslaughter first degree was the charge that should come out of the grand jury," said Baird.
Key Takeaways
- Snelling was originally charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant
- The grand jury added manslaughter charges after reviewing the case
- The newborn was determined to have been born alive before dying from asphyxia
- Snelling admitted to giving birth and cleaning up the scene while the infant was still alive
- She was released on a $100,000 bond after her September arrest
What's Next
Snelling's next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks, according to Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney Kimberly Baird. She remains facing charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth in addition to the new manslaughter indictment.
The case continues to unfold as authorities pursue the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant's death.