Former University of Kentucky student-athlete Laken Snelling, 22, has pleaded guilty to charges connected to the death of her newborn son in August 2025. 💔

Snelling initially pleaded not guilty, but on August 21, 2026, she changed her plea to guilty to first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. ⚖️

During the emotional hearing, Snelling told the judge that she had been under significant emotional stress when the baby was unexpectedly born.

When asked what happened, she acknowledged that the baby had been born alive and said she “deprived him of oxygen.” She also told the court, “Instead of helping him, I ended his life.” 😔

The case began in August 2025 when police were called to Snelling’s off-campus home in Lexington, Kentucky, after roommates discovered the newborn inside a closet. The baby had been wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black plastic trash bag. 🏠💔

The Kentucky medical examiner later determined that the baby had been born alive and that his cause of death was asphyxia by undetermined means. 🩺

Court records also described how Snelling’s roommates became concerned after hearing unusual noises coming from her room. Later, they discovered the newborn and contacted authorities. 🚨

Snelling was a member of the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team at the time. She later withdrew from the university following her arrest. 🏫

Under the prosecution’s recommendation, Snelling could receive 10 years for first-degree manslaughter, plus additional sentences for the other charges. The final sentence will be determined by the judge. ⚖️

Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2026.

The case has left many questions surrounding the circumstances of the unexpected birth and the events that followed. For the court, the next step will be determining the appropriate sentence after Snelling’s guilty plea.

A tragic case that began with a hidden pregnancy and an unexpected birth has now reached a new chapter in court. 💔🕊️

Source: Fox News