Former Kentucky Cheerleader Sentenced to 10 Years for Killing Newborn

Laken Snelling, a 22-year-old former University of Kentucky cheerleader, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the death of her newborn son. Snelling pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

Prosecutors stated that Snelling gave birth in her off-campus apartment on August 27, 2025, and then suffocated the infant in a panic. She initially denied the charges but later admitted in court, "I deprived him of oxygen."

Fayette County Circuit Court Judge Diane Minnifield imposed the 10-year sentence, aligning with the recommendation from prosecutors as part of a plea agreement. Snelling was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing hearing.

The baby's father, college quarterback Izaiah Hall, spoke at the sentencing, suggesting he has forgiven Snelling. "I don't wish the worst on Laken. What happened is, it is what it is. I can't change it," Hall said. The infant was reportedly named McCoy Cade Hall.

Authorities arrested Snelling on August 30, 2025, three days after the birth. Her roommates told police they heard unusual noises during her labor, which Snelling experienced alone and in secret. After the birth, Snelling reportedly cleaned the scene and left her apartment before her roommates discovered the newborn dead in a closet, wrapped in a blood-soaked towel and trash bag.

One friend reported to the police that the infant was "cold to the touch" when found. Snelling's roommates had indicated they believed she was concealing her pregnancy, with photos from April 2025 appearing to show a pregnant bump.

Initially, Snelling claimed the newborn was stillborn, stating she did not believe the baby was breathing or alive. She later told investigators she panicked, wrapped the baby "like a burrito," and laid next to it for comfort. However, court documents revealed she told a medical worker that the newborn had shown fetal movement and made a whimper upon birth.

In March 2026, Snelling was indicted on first-degree manslaughter charges after the Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office determined the baby was alive at birth and died from "asphyxia by undetermined means."

In August 2026, she entered her guilty plea to the charges as part of a plea deal. Through tears, she told the court, "I was under a lot of emotional stress and my baby came unexpectedly. And instead of helping him, I ended his life. And afterwards I cleaned up and didn't tell anyone."

Snelling had been under house arrest at her parents' home in Tennessee since her initial arraignment in September 2025. She posted a $10,000 bond in March 2026, following her second indictment, to be re-released.