Laken Snelling, a 22-year-old former University of Kentucky cheerleader, has been indicted on a charge of first-degree manslaughter following the death of her newborn son, whose body was found hidden in a closet at her off-campus Lexington, Kentucky, home.

A Fayette County grand jury handed down the new manslaughter charge, adding to the existing charges Snelling already faced. The Kentucky Medical Examiner's office determined the newborn was born alive, with the cause of death listed as asphyxia by undetermined means.

Snelling was first arrested on August 31 after her roommates alerted police to the discovery of an unresponsive infant at the residence. Police records state she gave birth in her off-campus bedroom on August 27. Authorities allege she wrapped the newborn in a towel, placed the body inside a trash bag along with the placenta, cleaned the room, and left the apartment, stopping at a McDonald's before returning home.

A search of her phone revealed she had looked up "concealed or hidden pregnancy" before giving birth. Police records indicate she admitted to giving birth and said she passed out on top of the baby after delivery.

In addition to the manslaughter charge, Snelling faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She pleaded not guilty during her initial court appearance on September 2 and was released on a $100,000 bond. She was ordered to serve home incarceration at her father's home in Tennessee under electronic monitoring while the case proceeds.

Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn addressed the case in a statement following the autopsy. "I understand the community's concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child," Ginn said. "We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered."

Following her arrest, Snelling left the University of Kentucky, where she had been a member of the school's STUNT team. University of Kentucky Medical Center records have been subpoenaed as part of the ongoing investigation. The case continues to move through the Fayette County court system, with Judge Melissa Moore Murphy presiding.

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