Laken Snelling, a former cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the death of her newborn son. She admitted to killing her child after he was born alive.
Snelling, 22, from White Pine, Tennessee, received her sentence on October 16, 2026, from Fayette Circuit Judge Diane Minnifield.
The sentence includes 10 years for first-degree manslaughter and one year each for abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant, all to be served concurrently.
She has already spent 415 days under house arrest and will be eligible for parole after serving 85% of her sentence, but not for probation.
The baby, named McCoy Cade Hall, was born in August 2025 and died from asphyxia.
Police discovered the baby's body in a trash bag in Snelling’s home after roommates alerted authorities due to unusual noises.
Snelling expressed remorse in court, mentioning she was under emotional stress and that the birth was unforeseen.
Judge Minnifield characterized the crime as violent and noted the lasting impact on the baby's family.
The father of the baby, Izaiah Hall, expressed that he did not wish the worst on Snelling, while family members mourned the loss of a healthy child who deserved a chance at life.
Snelling had previously pleaded not guilty until reaching a plea agreement that avoided a trial.
The case highlights serious issues surrounding maternal health, emotional distress, and the sanctity of life, with tragic consequences for all involved.
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