Laken Snelling, a former competitive cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, has been arrested after allegedly giving birth and hiding her newborn’s body in a closet.
Snelling, 22, was initially taken into custody on August 30, 2025, after a third party called the police and reported finding an infant’s body that was “cold to the touch” in Snelling’s room.
The cheerleader — who admitted to giving birth and “concealing” the baby’s body in a trash bag — was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant.
Snelling was indicted for manslaughter, in addition to the the three original charges, in March 2026, after tests revealed Snelling’s baby was alive at the time it was born.
Kentucky Cheerleader’s Mugshot Revealed After Being Booked for Manslaughter
She was arrested on March 12, 2026, and released on a $10,000 bond posted by her father.
For everything to know about Laken Snelling’s case, keep reading.
Who Is Laken Snelling?
At the time of her arrest, Snelling was a student at the University of Kentucky and a three-year member of the school’s STUNT competitive cheerleading team.
A native of White Pine, Tennessee, Snelling was majoring in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies.
In an email to Us Weekly in September 2025, a spokesperson for the University of Kentucky said Snelling “is no longer a student at the university and, as a result, is no longer a member of the STUNT team.”
What Happened to Laken Snelling’s Baby?
When interviewed by authorities, Snelling “admitted to giving birth” and to “concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence, placing all cleaning items used inside of a black trash bag, including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel.”
After giving birth, Snelling said she passed out and fell on top of the baby. When she woke up, Snelling found the infant “blue and purple,” according to court records.
Snelling suggested the baby was alive at the time of its birth, saying she heard a “whimper.”
According to the indictment against Snelling obtained by Us in March 2026, she “intentionally abused the infant and thereby caused death to a person twelve (12) years of age or less, or who is physically helpless or mentally helpless.”
The indictment said Snelling “intentionally treated a corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities.”
What Did Laken Snelling Do After Giving Birth?
According to records, Snelling told her roommates that she was going to the doctor because “she had not eaten and had not been feeling well.”
Snelling skipped her morning class at the University of Kentucky, instead deciding to order McDonald’s breakfast from the fast food restaurant’s app.
After picking up her food, Snelling drove to a university clinic but did not go inside.
While she was away, Snelling’s roommates — who had suspected Snelling was pregnant — allegedly found a “blood-soaked towel on the floor and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth” and called the police.
When Snelling returned home, she was questioned by authorities and eventually taken to a hospital for evaluation before officially being arrested.
What Is the Cause of Death of Laken Snelling’s Baby?
The death of Snelling’s infant was initially ruled inconclusive and “extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death,” according to a report from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office obtained by Us in September 2025.
In a statement released with the autopsy results, Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said he understands “the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child.”
“This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee, as well as those in the Commonwealth,” Ginn continued. “We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
In March 2026, the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office determined the infant’s cause of death was “asphyxia by undetermined means.”
Who Is the Father Of Laken Snelling’s Baby?
The identity of the father of Snelling’s baby is unknown.
In the months leading up to her arrest, Snelling had been dating former college basketball player Connor Jordan.
Snelling posted images from a couples’ photo shoot with Jordan via TikTok in June 2025, showing the couple posing together in a field in matching outfits.
In April 2025, Snelling posted a video via TikTok of the couple embracing before attending a Megan Moroney concert.
It is not clear if Jordan is connected to Snelling’s pregnancy or if the couple was still together at the time of her arrest.
After Snelling was arrested, an ex-boyfriend of the cheerleader named Izaiah Hall provided his DNA to authorities.
“Lexington police had him come down to the station to give a sample,” Hall’s father, Justin Smith, told the New York Post. “I don’t know anything on this and we don’t know if Izaiah is the father or not.”
Hall’s father added, “I don’t really want to go into any more detail at this stage.
It is not clear when Snelling and Hall dated, or when the couple broke up.
When Is Laken Snelling’s Next Court Date?
Snelling is due in court for an arraignment hearing on April 10, 2026.
How Long Could Laken Snelling Face in Prison?
First-degree manslaughter is a Class B felony in Kentucky, punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. The three other charges against Snelling carry separate sentences.
