Father of Laken Snelling’s Baby Speaks Out at Her Sentencing

A Kentucky woman has been sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of her newborn son. Laken Snelling, 22, admitted to suffocating the infant, who was discovered deceased in August 2025, creating a tragic situation that has deeply affected those involved.

The sentencing took place on Friday, 16th October at the Fayette Circuit Court in Kentucky. Snelling also faced charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. The case garnered considerable attention following the harrowing details surrounding the baby’s death, which included finding the infant wrapped in a towel and concealed in a plastic bag within her closet.

Izaiah Hall, the father of the child, stepped forward to share his grief during the court proceedings. Speaking candidly, he expressed the heartache he has experienced, which he described as “unexplainable.” Hall conveyed to the judge that although he was profoundly affected by the tragedy, he did not wish the worst for Snelling. “What happened… it is what it is. I can’t change it,” he stated, illustrating the emotional turmoil faced by families caught in such devastating circumstances.

Members of Hall’s family also addressed the court, reflecting on the potential life his son, named Cade, would have had. One relative, believed to be Hall’s mother, poignantly characterised Cade as a “baby who had barely begun its life” and lamented that the child was denied the simple joys of growing up. She described the moments that were lost forever, such as birthdays and first words, filling the court with poignant emotion.

In a tribute to Cade, Hall’s sister asserted that the family would be a voice for the child, vehemently stating, “He was not garbage. He was the most beautiful, perfect, innocent, full-term baby boy.” Such declarations highlight the family’s determination to honour the memory of their beloved child in the wake of this tragedy.

Investigators revealed that the circumstances leading to the baby’s death began when Snelling’s roommates contacted the authorities, prompted by unusual noises and blood observed in her room. Upon questioning, Snelling disclosed that she had been under significant emotional stress and claimed her pregnancy was unexpected. In a preceding affidavit, she described giving birth in her bedroom, asserting that the newborn fell onto the floor, and she accidentally suffocated him by laying on top of him while sleeping.

According to the autopsy results, the cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation. Following the incident, Snelling reportedly cleaned her room and concealed the newborn’s body and placenta within zip lock bags placed in a trash bag. She intended to attend class the next day, leaving the tragic scene behind.

Once her arrest occurred, Snelling withdrew from the University of Kentucky, where she had previously participated as a cheerleader and in beauty pageants. Her attorney expressed during the hearing that Snelling was “incredibly, deeply saddened” by the events and took full responsibility for her actions.

Judge Diane Minnifield addressed Snelling directly before imposing the sentence, emphasising the extensive impact of her actions on multiple lives. “There’s a whole lot of people whose lives have been affected and have been turned inside out based on the choice that you made,” the judge remarked, highlighting the profound consequences of the event.

Although Snelling received a ten-year sentence, she will not qualify for probation. However, there is a possibility of parole after she serves 85% of her time. Throughout the court proceedings, the emotional weight of the case remained palpable, leaving an indelible mark on all those affected by the tragic loss of a child who never had the opportunity to experience life.