Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky cheerleader, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the death of her newborn son. The boy’s body was discovered in a trash bag, leading to a case that unfolded in Fayette Circuit Court.

Snelling, 22, entered her guilty plea in August, admitting to first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. During the plea hearing, she expressed remorse, stating, “Instead of helping him, I ended his life.”

The court's decision on Friday formally sentenced Snelling to a decade in prison, reflecting the severity of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the death. Details presented in court revealed that Snelling had concealed her pregnancy and the birth prior to the discovery of the infant’s remains.

The case drew attention due to Snelling’s former status as a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, highlighting the tragic outcome and raising awareness about the complexities surrounding concealed births and infant fatalities.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of seeking help in cases of unwanted pregnancies and the resources available for support. The sentencing concludes the legal proceedings in this matter but leaves enduring questions about prevention and intervention in similar cases.