Okla. Parents Facing Upgraded Murder Charges After 2-Year-Old Mauled to Death by Family Dog: ‘Horrendous Details’

A mother and father in Oklahoma are now facing upgraded charges after their 2-year-old daughter was fatally mauled by a dog inside their home.

Darci Lambert, 24, and Jorden McGuire, 34, have been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty in connection with their daughter’s death, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 8.

The couple had initially been charged with second-degree murder. It is not currently clear whether they have entered pleas or obtained attorneys to represent them.

On Nov. 18, Oklahoma City police responded to the family’s home after receiving a report that a child was not breathing. When officers entered the residence, they found the girl deceased with “horrific injuries” believed to have resulted from an animal attack, according to the district attorney’s office.

Four dogs were removed from the home by Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, prosecutors said, adding that three of the animals appeared to be malnourished. Two bearded dragons were also taken from the residence.

Oklahoma City Police Staff Sgt. Dillon Quirk said that detectives learned the child had been left alone in a room with the animal “for a substantial period of time” before she was found dead. He noted that the information uncovered during the investigation ultimately led to a murder arrest.

The child was identified by family members as 2-year-old Locklynn Rose McGuire in a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover memorial expenses.

“Locklynn was pure light,” the fundraiser states. “She was curious, gentle, and full of joy — the kind of little girl whose smile could brighten even the hardest day. She loved deeply and was deeply loved. Losing her in such a heartbreaking and unexpected way has left our entire family shattered.”

Authorities allege that Lambert and McGuire “maliciously failed to protect their child and permitted her to remain in the presence of a dangerous, malnourished dog, fully aware of the serious risk of harm,” according to the district attorney’s office.

Investigators also claim that evidence shows the child had previously been attacked by the same dog and suffered serious injuries. Prosecutors said the decision to upgrade the charges came after reviewing the “horrendous details of the case.”

If convicted of first-degree murder, Lambert and McGuire could face life in prison. They remain in custody on a $1 million bond.