When I first read about this case in Oklahoma, it honestly just hit me; it heaved me. I had a dog that was “upset with me, growled at me” when I was once at my cousin’s house, though nothing happened, I got scared nevertheless. Just thinking about a tiny kid going through something way, way worse tore me up as I wrote this.
Darci Lambert, a 24-year-old mother, and Jorden McGuire, a 34-year-old father, now face first-degree murder charges after their 2-year-old daughter died because of a dog attack at the home. This news was communicated by the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office.
Initially, both were charged with second-degree murder. Now, the charges have been upgraded. There hasn’t been any additional information regarding legal representation or responses to the court. All that remains still feels so serious.
Oklahoma City police received a call about a child who was unresponsive and went to the home. When they arrived inside the house, the little girl was already dead. Officers later stated that the injuries resembled those caused by a creature attack.
Oklahoma City Animal Welfare took four dogs inside the house. Prosecutors said that, of the three dogs, several did not appear to have been fed appropriately, while the other two bearded dragons were found in the house.
Staff Sergeant Dillon Quirk of the Oklahoma City Police said that during the investigation, it was found that the child had been left alone with the dog in a room for a long time. This led to the arrest of the parents for murder.
The family identified the child as two years old, the youngest Locklynn Rose McGuire. A GoFundMe page has been set up for her memorial costs. Her family wrote that she was so filled with light, always had a smile, and was very gentle. That part really made my heart sink because kids that age are always so innocent.
Authorities believe parents were aware of their child’s endangerment with a dangerous and unhealthy dog, but failed to protect her from it. The investigators also cited that, based on evidence, the same dog had earlier attacked the child to cause injury to her. In conclusion, prosecutors decided to elevate the charges.
If found guilty of first-degree murder, the parents would probably spend the rest of their lives in jail. They remain jailed with a bond of one million dollars set for each.
The matter is hotly debated in Oklahoma, and many people are discussing dog safety, child safety, and the supervision of children with dogs. You may also be interested in: Parent Accuses Palmetto High Coach Jill Ford Of Cursing At Students And Mistreating Players For Years
