Locklynn Rose McGuire 2 year old Oklahoma City girl mauled to death as parents, Darci Lambert and Jorden McGuire to be charged with murder for failing to prevent dog attack that killed toddler.
The parents of a 2-year-old girl who died following a dog attack at their Oklahoma City home now face murder charges following claims that the girl was set upon as a result of the animals being mistreated.
Locklynn Rose McGuire, the 2-year-old daughter of Darci Lambert, 24, and Jorden McGuire, 34, was fatally mauled by one of her family’s four dogs at their home in Oklahoma City on Nov. 18, according to a news release from the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office.
Oklahoma City police responded to reports of a ‘child not breathing’ at the McGuire’s home. Inside, officers found Locklynn, who suffered ‘horrific injuries’ consistent with an animal attack, the release said.
Oklahoma City toddler failed by her parents
Investigators believe that Locklynn was attacked by the same dog once before and suffered serious but non-fatal injuries, according to the district attorney’s office.
Four dogs, including three that were allegedly malnourished, were removed from the home by the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.
Oklahoma City Police Staff Sgt. Dillon Quirk told PEOPLE that his team ‘learned that the child was left in that room with the animal for a substantial period of time before she was discovered deceased.’
The 2-year-old’s parents were originally charged with second-degree murder only for charges to be upgraded to first degree along with two counts of animal abuse following investigations which revealed the scope of the tragedy.
Parents malicious disregard for their toddler daughter’s wellbeing and safety
Authorities allege that the couple ‘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.
Lambert and McGuire could face life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder. Oklahoma also permits the death penalty for certain first-degree murder cases, if desired by the state.
The couple are in custody on a $1 million bond.
