Manslaughter Charge Filed Against Former University of Kentucky Student Following Autopsy Findings

LEXINGTON KENTUCKY, A former University of Kentucky student is now facing a manslaughter charge after an autopsy determined that her newborn baby had been born alive before dying.

Authorities said 21-year-old Laken Snelling was arrested in August 2025 after a newborn was discovered dead in the 400 block of Park Avenue in Lexington.

Snelling was initially charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

Following further investigation, the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the baby had been born alive and that the cause of death was asphyxia by undetermined means.

On Tuesday, March 10, a Fayette County grand jury indicted Snelling on a charge of first-degree manslaughter in addition to the previous charges.

The indictment comes months after the case was submitted to the grand jury for review in September 2025.

According to court records, Snelling told police that after giving birth she believed the baby was not breathing and said she had passed out after the baby landed on the bedroom floor.

Investigators said she later told authorities she wrapped the baby in a towel and placed the body inside a trash bag before putting it in a closet.

Court documents state that Snelling later told her roommate she had passed out earlier that morning after being questioned about loud noises that had been heard in the apartment.

Authorities said she also told medical staff at UK Hospital that the baby had made a whimper and that she believed the child may have been alive.

Police records indicate the newborn appeared to be full term when discovered.

Snelling later withdrew from the University of Kentucky following her arrest. Officials said she has been on house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee while the case proceeds.

The investigation remains ongoing as the case moves through the court process.