Crime · Fayette County
Former UK Student Sentenced to 10 Years for Newborn's Death in Lexington
Laken Snelling, 22, a former University of Kentucky student, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Fayette County Circuit Court Judge Diane Minnifield presided over the sentencing, noting Snelling's age, education, and clean prior record before imposing concurrent sentences. The case stems from the August 27, 2025 discovery by Lexington police of a baby boy, named McCoy Cade Hall, found unresponsive in a closet on Park Avenue; the medical examiner ruled his death as asphyxia by undetermined means. Snelling received 415 days of credit for time served and is eligible for parole after serving 85% of her sentence.