Oklahoma Parents Face Murder Charges Following the Suspected Dog Mauling Death of Their Toddler

Locklynn McGuire, a 2-year-old Oklahoma girl, died on 18 November 2025 after an alleged pit bull attack in her bedroom, where police said she had been left with the dog. Her parents, Darci Lambert, 25, and Jorden McGuire, 35, each face one count of first-degree murder, an alternative charge of second-degree murder and five counts of cruelty to animals, according to the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office.

What Happened to Locklynn McGuire

The news came after Lambert and McGuire called 911 when they found their daughter not breathing. Police arrived at the family home and found Locklynn dead in her bedroom, with wounds on her body consistent with dog bites, according to police.

Police said Ella was the pit bull believed to be responsible for the attack. Law enforcement said the dog had visible hip bones. OKC Animal Welfare removed four dogs from the home, three of which appeared malnourished, according to the report.

The circumstances surrounding the girl's final hours are detailed in the charging document. It says Jorden McGuire put Locklynn to bed at about 7.30pm on the night of her death. Police said Lambert was at work until about 10.30pm.

McGuire told police he had taken medication to fall asleep before waking at about 8.45pm to check on his daughter. He said Locklynn was sleeping on a mattress with Ella, according to the report.

McGuire allegedly told police that the pit bull was kept in the girl's room because Ella would fight the other dogs. The charging document says toddler locks were fitted to both sides of the bedroom door, preventing Locklynn from leaving.

The allegations have placed particular focus on the conditions in which Locklynn was found and the circumstances surrounding the dog's presence in her bedroom. Authorities have alleged that the parents were aware of concerns involving Ella before the fatal incident.

The Earlier Pit Bull Attack

Authorities allege Ella had previously attacked Locklynn about 12 days before the girl died. Prosecutors said that earlier incident resulted in the child suffering 'serious injuries'.

Police allege that despite the earlier attack, the couple kept Ella confined but uncaged in the same locked room as Locklynn. Authorities also allege that Lambert did not immediately check on her daughter when she returned home and learned what had happened later.

The allegations were addressed by Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna in a statement.

'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.'

Murder Charges Against Locklynn McGuire's Parents

Lambert and McGuire each face first-degree murder, an alternative second-degree murder charge and five counts of cruelty to animals, according to the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office. The charges follow the investigation into Locklynn's death and the allegations concerning the family's dogs.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was created to cover Locklynn's funeral costs. At the time of the report, it had raised $4,995 (£3,690) towards a $5,000 (£3,694) goal.

'Locklynn was pure light,' the fundraiser description said. It described her as 'curious, gentle, and full of joy' and said she 'loved deeply and was deeply loved'. The description added that losing her had left the entire family 'shattered'.

The criminal case centres on allegations about what the parents knew about Ella, the earlier attack and the circumstances surrounding Locklynn's death in the locked bedroom. The allegations remain claims made by authorities and prosecutors, while the parents face the charges filed against them.