Locklynn Rose, two, was found dead with “horrific injuries” at her family home.
A two year old girl was tragically mauled to death by a dog, described as “dangerous” and “malnourished”, after being left alone with the animal for a “substantial period of time”. The child’s parents, Darci Lambert, 24, and Jorden McGuire, 34, were initially charged with second-degree murder.
However, on December 8, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office announced that these charges have been upgraded to first-degree murder.
The decision to escalate the charges against Lambert and McGuire came after authorities reviewed the “horrendous details of the case.”
Investigators also found evidence suggesting that the same dog had attacked the child on previous occasions.
Oklahoma City police officers arrived at the family home on November 18 in response to a report of a child not breathing. Upon entering the house, they discovered the girl’s body with “horrific injuries”, believed to be the result of an animal attack, reports the Mirror.
Oklahoma City Police Staff Sgt. Dillon Quirk previously told PEOPLE that during the investigation, officers “learned that the child was left in that room with the animal for a substantial period of time before she was discovered deceased.”
He added that “ultimately a murder arrest came from that investigation”.
Family members identified the youngster as Locklynn Rose, who was just two years old. Relatives also honoured Locklynn’s memory through a GoFundMe page set up to help raise money for expenses following her tragic death.
The tribute read: “Locklynn was pure light. 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 investigating this shocking case are now claiming that Lambert and McGuire were fully aware of the threat the dog presented to Locklynn. The district attorney’s office has alleged that they “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.”
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered four dogs, three of which are alleged to have been malnourished. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare removed the dogs, alongside two Bearded Dragons.
Both Lambert and McGuire remain in police custody, with bail set at $1 million (£747k). Should they be found guilty of first degree murder, they could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
