Okla. Parents Facing Upgraded Murder Charges After 2-Year-Old’s Dog Mauling Death

A mother and father from Oklahoma are facing upgraded murder charges after their 2-year-old daughter was mauled to death by a dog in their home.

Darci Lambert, 24, and Jorden McGuire, 34, have been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty in connection with the girl’s death, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 8.

The couple was previously charged with second-degree murder, PEOPLE reported at the time. It’s unclear if they have entered pleas or retained attorneys to speak on their behalf.

On Nov. 18, Oklahoma City police responded to the family home after receiving a report of a child not breathing. Once inside, officers found the girl dead with “horrific injuries” believed to have been from an animal attack, per the district attorney’s office.

At the scene, four dogs — three of which were allegedly malnourished — were removed by Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, prosecutors said. Two bearded dragons were also removed from the home.

Oklahoma City Police Staff Sgt. Dillon Quirk previously told PEOPLE that detectives “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.”

The child was identified by loved ones as 2-year-old Locklynn Rose McGuire in a GoFundMe campaign created to help with memorial expenses.

“Locklynn was pure light,” the fundraiser reads. “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 allege that Lambert and McGuire “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,” per the district attorney’s office.

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Investigators claim evidence shows the child had previously been attacked by the same dog, suffering serious injuries. Prosecutors said the charges were upgraded after they reviewed the “horrendous details of the case.”

If convicted of first-degree murder, the suspects could face life in prison, prosecutors said. Lambert and McGuire remain in custody on a $1 million bond.