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Former UK student sentenced for baby’s death following earlier guilty plea
WKYT • • nation
Key Points:
- Laken Snelling, 22, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter and related charges in connection with the death of her newborn son, found deceased in a closet in August 2025.
- Snelling pleaded guilty to manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant, admitting in court that she ended her baby's life instead of helping him.
- The baby, named McCoy Cade Hall by Snelling, was born alive and died from asphyxia by undetermined means, according to the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Roommates heard unusual noises the night of the birth and discovered the baby in Snelling’s room, having suspected she was pregnant but never confirmed it with her.
- The baby's biological father’s family expressed deep grief in court, emphasizing the loss of the baby's potential life milestones; Snelling was sentenced to concurrent terms totaling 10 years and will be eligible for parole after serving 85% of her sentence.
