UK Student Laken Snelling Sentenced to 10 Years for Infant’s Death

Key points

• Snelling, a former University of Kentucky student-athlete, was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter and one year each for three other charges, all to run concurrently.
• The infant, McCoy Cade Hall, was found in a closet wrapped in a towel and trash bag on Aug. 27, 2025, after roommates reported unusual noises and discovered blood and evidence of childbirth.
• Snelling admitted in court to ending the baby’s life, stating, 'Instead of helping him, I ended his life.' She claimed she passed out after giving birth and did not realize the baby was alive.
• The Kentucky Medical Examiner determined the baby was born alive and died of asphyxia by undetermined means.
• Snelling received 415 days credit for time served on bond and is not eligible for probation but qualifies for parole after serving 85% of her sentence.

Background

This case follows earlier coverage of Snelling’s indictment and guilty plea in August 2026. Prior reports noted her status as a UK STUNT team member and interdisciplinary disability student from Tennessee. The initial coroner’s report in Sept. 2025 was inconclusive, requiring extensive microscopic analysis to determine cause of death. No prior criminal history was noted for Snelling.

How outlets are covering it

WKYT emphasized the emotional impact on the baby’s paternal family, quoting relatives who described the loss of future milestones. The Lexington Herald-Leader highlighted Snelling’s lack of prior record and supportive family, noting Judge Minnifield’s consideration of these factors. Both outlets reported the concurrent sentencing and parole eligibility, but WKYT focused on the victim’s family’s grief, while the Herald-Leader detailed Snelling’s account of the birth and her admission to concealing evidence. Neither outlet reported conflicting facts, but they emphasized different aspects of the sentencing rationale.

Why it matters

The case underscores the legal consequences of concealing a birth and the impact on families. It highlights the role of plea deals in resolving cases where the defendant admits guilt but disputes intent. The sentence reflects a balance between accountability and mitigating factors, such as age and clean record, in a high-profile local case.

What to watch

Snelling will serve her sentence in a Kentucky correctional facility. She may be eligible for parole after serving 85% of her 10-year term. The baby’s family has expressed ongoing grief and questions about the circumstances, but no further legal actions are anticipated.