Ex-University of Kentucky student, pleads guilty to death of baby

Former University of Kentucky student-athlete Laken Snelling has pleaded guilty in connection with the death of her newborn son, a case that began after authorities discovered the infant’s remains inside a trash bag in a closet.

Snelling, 22, had initially pleaded not guilty but changed her plea Friday. During the hearing, she became emotional while describing what happened after the baby was born unexpectedly.

“I was under a lot of emotional stress and my baby came unexpectedly,” Snelling told the court. She continued, “Instead of helping him, I ended his life and afterward I cleaned up and didn’t tell anyone.”

When Judge Diane Minnifield asked how she ended the baby’s life, Snelling replied, “I deprived him of oxygen.”

According to court records, police were called in August 2025 after reports of an unresponsive infant. Investigators later found evidence suggesting Snelling had attempted to conceal the pregnancy and deleted material from her phone.

She now faces up to 10 years in prison. Her sentencing is expected to take place in October, following the guilty plea.

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