Kentucky cheerleader pleads not guilty after newborn found dead in trash bag

A college cheerleader at the center of a disturbing case is now facing serious felony charges after pleading not guilty in court.

Authorities say Laken Snelling is accused of secretly giving birth before allegedly killing the newborn and placing the infant in a trash bag inside her closet.

Prosecutors claim the baby was suffocated shortly after birth, turning what began as a concealed pregnancy case into a far more serious criminal investigation.

Snelling was initially charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. But in March, the case escalated when a grand jury indicted her on first-degree manslaughter.

She has now formally pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to reports, roommates had growing suspicions in the weeks leading up to the incident.

They allegedly believed Snelling was hiding a pregnancy and later told investigators they heard “strange noises” coming from her room around the time she is believed to have gone into labor.

What happened next is at the center of the case.

Prosecutors allege that after giving birth, Snelling placed the newborn into a plastic bag and left it in her closet.

Authorities further claim she then left the residence and went to get food at McDonald's shortly afterward.

The timeline and details have shocked the community, with many questioning how the situation escalated so quickly and whether warning signs were missed.

If convicted on the most serious charges, Snelling could face more than 30 years in prison.

Her defense has not yet publicly detailed its strategy, but the not guilty plea signals that the case is expected to head toward a high-profile trial, where key questions about intent, mental state, and the events surrounding the birth will likely take center stage.

For now, the case remains ongoing, and all allegations will be tested in court.