Parents are facing involuntary manslaughter charges after their child was killed by a dog

Two parents in Oklahoma are facing aggravated manslaughter charges after their two-year-old daughter was killed by the family dog.

Darci Lambert and Jordan McGuire She has been charged with first degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty in connection with her daughter’s death, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office confirmed in a news release Monday, December 8.

Lambert, 24, and McGuire, 34, were previously charged with second-degree murder when they were initially arrested, according to People.

It was not clear Wednesday if Lambert or McGuire had filed a lawsuit or retained attorneys as of press time.

“This is a wonderful sad thing,” Vicki Zemp PhennanaOklahoma County District Attorney, the statement 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 in danger.”

Oklahoma City Police responded to the family’s home on November 18 after receiving a report that the child was not breathing. The district attorney’s office confirmed that officials found the girl dead inside the residence from “brutal injuries,” believed to have been caused by an animal attack.

Prosecutors say the four dogs — three of them malnourished — were removed from the home by Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. In addition, two bearded dragons were also removed from the property.

When the arrest was first announced, Oklahoma City police staff Sgt. Dillon Quirk Earlier I was told People That those in the area “learned that the child was left in that place with the animal for a long time before he was found dead.” After the police sent an investigation into the child’s death, it was determined that “human arrest” was more appropriate.

Authorities say Lambert and McGuire failed to protect their child and allowed him to live in a dangerous environment with malnourished dogs. Investigators also say that evidence shows that the child was attacked by the same dog.

As a result of the new discovery, prosecutors said the cases against Lambert and McGuire were enhanced because of the “horrific details of the case.”

The child has since been identified as Locklynn Rose McGuire. After his passing, loved ones set up a gofundme campaign to help pay for his Memorial expenses.

“Locklynn was pure light,” the fundraiser page said. “She was curious, gentle, and full of joy — the kind of little girl with a very difficult day who brightens even the most difficult day.”

The post continued, “as we strive to do something no family should have to endure, we are raising money so we can help, even if you can’t help yourself, even if you can’t help yourself, even if you can donate for their love.”