Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling case takes new turn as she pleads not guilty in newborn baby death court hearing

The case involving former University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling moved ahead in court on April 10, 2026, in Lexington. She appeared before a judge and entered a not guilty plea in connection with the death of her newborn baby. The hearing was short, and she did not speak during it.

According to footage shared by TMZ, Snelling stood quietly in a blue floor-length dress beside her lawyers. The judge reminded her that she is still out on bond and must follow all rules. A pretrial conference is now set for May 14, followed by another hearing on June 12.

Laken Snelling faces serious charges after baby’s death as court sets next hearing dates

The charges against Laken Snelling are serious. She has been indicted for first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and hiding the birth of an infant. These charges were filed on March 10. Just two days later, on March 12, she was taken to the Fayette County Detention Center. Her father later posted a $10,000 bond, which allowed her to be released.

Investigators believe the baby was alive when Snelling gave birth in August 2025. Officials say the infant later died and the body was hidden in a closet inside her home in Lexington. The cause of death was reported as “asphyxia by undetermined means” by the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office.

Court documents state that Snelling admitted to giving birth and then trying to hide what happened. Authorities said she cleaned the area and placed items used during the birth into a trash bag, including the baby wrapped in a towel. Her roommates had earlier found a blood-soaked towel and what appeared to be signs of childbirth, which led to the police being called.

Even with these details, prosecutors did not charge her with murder. The indictment explains that she may have been under “extreme emotional disturbance” at the time. In Kentucky, first-degree manslaughter is still a serious charge and can lead to 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted.

After her first arrest in August 2025, Snelling was released on bond and placed under house arrest with a GPS monitor. Now, with her not guilty plea entered, the case will move into the next phase as both sides prepare for court in the coming weeks.




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