Former cheerleader convicted of manslaughter in baby’s death gets 10-year prison sentence

An East Tennessee woman and former University of Kentucky cheerleader was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in relation to her baby’s death one year ago.

Laken Snelling, 22, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in August, telling police she hid her pregnancy then when she gave birth in her Lexington apartment, the child was killed by asphyxia then placed in a closet.

The child’s father and family testified during the hearing, saying memories of the baby boy and his first steps, first birthday, first words and other milestones were taken from them by Snelling.

Court documents said Snelling, listed as a resident of White Pine, will receive credit for the more than 400 days she had been in jail and will eligible for early release when she serves 85 percent of her sentence.

(IMAGE: File Photo)