An Oklahoma couple is facing additional criminal charges following the death of their 2-year-old daughter, who was fatally mauled by a family dog inside their home last year. Prosecutors allege the child’s parents knowingly exposed her to danger despite being aware of a previous attack involving the same dog.
Darci Lambert and Jordan McGuire have now been charged with one count of first-degree murder or second-degree murder in the alternative, along with five counts of cruelty to animals in connection with the case.
The charges stem from the death of 2-year-old Locklynn McGuire, who was found dead in her bedroom in November after suffering extensive injuries from apparent dog bites.
Child Found Dead Following Emergency Call
The case began when Oklahoma City police officers responded to a home near N.E. 26th Street and North Prospect Avenue after receiving a report of a child who was not breathing.
When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered Locklynn dead in her bedroom. Investigators reported that the toddler’s body was covered with wounds consistent with a dog attack.
Following the discovery, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare officers removed four dogs from the home. Authorities noted that all of the animals appeared to be malnourished.
Events Leading Up to the Fatal Attack
According to the arrest affidavit, Jordan McGuire, 34, told investigators he put Locklynn to bed at approximately 7:30 p.m. before taking medication to help him sleep.
McGuire said he woke up around 8:45 p.m. and checked on the child. At that time, he claimed she was sleeping on a mattress with Ella, one of the family’s dogs.
Investigators learned that Ella was routinely kept in the room because the dog would fight with the other dogs in the household.
The affidavit also revealed that the bedroom door had toddler locks installed on both sides, preventing the 2-year-old from leaving the room on her own.
Mother Discovered the Attack
According to investigators, Darci Lambert, 24, arrived home from work later that evening.
Lambert admitted she did not immediately check on her daughter after returning home. When she eventually entered the room, she discovered that Locklynn had been attacked.
Emergency responders were called, but the child was pronounced dead.
Previous Dog Attack Raises Questions
Court documents indicate that the fatal attack was not the first incident involving the dog.
The affidavit states that Locklynn had been attacked by the same dog just weeks earlier, resulting in injuries severe enough to require treatment at OU Children’s Hospital.
Following that earlier incident, Oklahoma Human Services was contacted and launched an investigation into the child’s welfare. However, Locklynn was not removed from the home.
The affidavit further states that Oklahoma City police and Oklahoma City Animal Welfare were not notified about the previous attack.
Investigators allege that despite knowing about the earlier incident, Lambert and McGuire continued to keep the dog in the same room as their daughter without placing the animal in a cage or otherwise separating it from the child.
Prosecutors Cite Failure to Protect Child
Following an extensive investigation, authorities concluded that the parents knowingly placed Locklynn in a dangerous situation by allowing her to remain in close contact with a dog that had previously attacked her.
Prosecutors argue that their actions, and failure to take preventative measures after the first attack, directly contributed to the toddler’s death.
Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna described the circumstances as deeply disturbing.
“This is an unspeakably tragic case,” Behenna said. “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.”
Animal Cruelty Allegations
In addition to the murder charges, both Lambert and McGuire face five counts of cruelty to animals.
Authorities noted that the four dogs removed from the residence appeared malnourished, contributing to the additional charges filed against the couple.
Investigators have not released further details regarding the condition of the animals or whether additional violations were discovered during the investigation.
Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Locklynn McGuire, 2 |
| Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Defendants | Darci Lambert, 24, and Jordan McGuire, 34 |
| Main Charges | First-degree murder or second-degree murder in the alternative |
| Additional Charges | Five counts of cruelty to animals |
| Date of Incident | November 2025 |
| Dog Involved | Ella, family dog |
| Previous Attack | Same dog allegedly attacked child weeks earlier |
| Prior Investigation | Oklahoma Human Services investigation launched |
| Animal Welfare Response | Four dogs removed from home |
| Key Allegation | Parents knowingly allowed child to remain with dog despite prior attack |
The death of 2-year-old Locklynn McGuire has resulted in serious criminal charges against her parents, with prosecutors alleging they failed to protect their daughter despite being aware of a previous attack by the same dog.
Investigators say the fatal mauling occurred after the child was left in a locked bedroom with an uncaged dog that had already demonstrated dangerous behavior. As the case moves through the court system, it is expected to draw significant attention due to the allegations of negligence, child endangerment, and animal cruelty.
