Two parents in Oklahoma are facing upgraded murder charges after their 2-year-old daughter was mauled to death by their family dog.
Darci Lambert and Jorden McGuire have been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty in connection to their daughter’s death, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office confirmed in a news release on Monday, December 8.
Lambert, 24, and McGuire, 34, were previously charged with second-degree murder when they were originally arrested, according to People.
It was not clear Wednesday if Lambert or McGuire have entered pleas or retained attorneys as of time of publication.
“This is an unspeakably tragic case,” Vicki Zemp Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney, said in a statement. “Lambert and McGuire’s complete disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of their child, and their failure to protect her despite knowing she was at risk, led to her death.”
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Oklahoma City police responded to the family’s home on November 18 after they received a report that a child was not breathing. The district attorney’s office confirmed that officers found the girl dead inside of the residence with “horrific injuries,” which were believed to have been obtained from an animal attack.
Prosecutors said that four dogs — three of which were allegedly malnourished — were removed from the home by Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. Additionally, two bearded dragons were also removed from the property.
When the arrests were first announced, Oklahoma City Police Staff Sgt. Dillon Quirk previously told People that the detectives “learned that the child was left in that room with the animal for a substantial period of time before she was discovered deceased.” After officers launched an investigation into the toddler’s death, it was determined that a “murder arrest” was most appropriate.
Authorities claimed that Lambert and McGuire failed to protect their child and allowed her to live in a dangerous environment with the malnourished dogs. Investigators also revealed that evidence suggests the child had previously been attacked by the same dog.
In light of the new discoveries, prosecutors said that Lambert and McGuire’s charges were upgraded due to the “horrendous details of the case.”
The child has since been identified as Locklynn Rose McGuire. Following her passing, loved ones set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for her memorial expenses.
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“Locklynn was pure light,” the fundraiser page stated. “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.”
The post continued, “As we struggle to make sense of something no family should ever endure, we are raising funds to help with funeral and memorial costs. Any donation, no matter the amount, means more than you can imagine. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page is just as helpful. Our family is grateful for every prayer, message, and act of kindness as we honor the beautiful life of Locklynn Rose.”
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