Former Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling gets 10 years in her newborn son's death

A judge has ordered Laken Snelling to spend 10 years behind bars for the death of her newborn son.

The 22-year-old once cheered for the University of Kentucky. She learned her punishment at a Friday hearing, according to several local news reports.

The guilty plea

Back in August, Snelling admitted guilt on four counts. The top charge was first-degree manslaughter. She also pleaded to mistreating his remains, hiding evidence plus keeping the birth secret.

The case dates to last year. Her roommates heard strange sounds one night and found the baby's body in her room the following day.

When she entered her plea, Snelling told the court she had been under heavy stress when the baby arrived without warning. She said that rather than help him she ended his life.

She also acknowledged that she cut off his oxygen. After the birth she placed the infant in a plastic bag along with the towels she had used to clean up.

What prosecutors wanted

The prosecution had pushed for 13 years in all. That would have meant 10 years for the manslaughter count plus one year apiece for the other three charges.