OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – An Oklahoma couple, Jorden McGuire and Darci Lambert, are facing first-degree murder charges after their 2-year-old daughter, Locklynn Rose McGuire, was savaged to death by a family dog. Prosecutors allege the parents knowingly left the toddler alone with the "malnourished" animal, despite the dog having attacked the child once before.
"Horrific Injuries"
Police responded to the family's home on November 18 following reports of a child not breathing. Inside, officers found little Locklynn with injuries consistent with a brutal animal attack. Staff Sgt. Dillon Quirk told reporters that the investigation revealed the child was "left in that room with the animal for a substantial period of time before she was discovered deceased."
Animal control officers removed four dogs from the property, noting that three of them appeared to be severely malnourished. Two bearded dragons were also seized from the home.
Charges Upgraded to First-Degree Murder
Initially charged with second-degree murder, parents Darci Lambert, 24, and Jorden McGuire, 34, saw their charges upgraded after investigators uncovered the "horrendous details" of the case. The District Attorney’s Office alleges the couple "maliciously failed to protect their child" by permitting her to remain with a dangerous, starving dog, fully aware of the risk because the animal had attacked Locklynn previously.
In addition to murder, the couple faces two counts of animal cruelty. They are currently being held on a $1 million bond.
"Pure Light"
Extended family members expressed their devastation in a fundraiser, describing Locklynn as "pure light" who was "curious, gentle, and full of joy."
"Losing her in such a heartbreaking and unexpected way has left our entire family shattered," her cousin wrote. If convicted of first-degree murder, Lambert and McGuire could face life in prison or the death penalty.
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