OKLAHOMA CITY — Prosecutors have upgraded charges to first-degree murder against two Oklahoma City parents whose 2-year-old daughter was killed in a dog-mauling incident last month, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
Darci Lambert, 24, and Jorden McGuire, 34, now face one count of first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty. The charges stem from the Nov. 18 death of their child, who police found unresponsive and suffering what detectives described as “horrific injuries consistent with an animal attack,” according to the DA’s office.
As Free Press reported earlier, the two were originally booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on complaints of second-degree murder as the investigation began.
The death is homicide #65 for the City of Oklahoma City in 2025.
Oklahoma City Animal Welfare removed four dogs from the home in northeast Oklahoma City, three of which were malnourished. Officers also seized two bearded dragons.
District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna called the case “unspeakably tragic,” saying the parents showed a “complete disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of their child.”
Detectives allege Lambert and McGuire knowingly allowed the toddler to remain around a dangerous, malnourished dog. Evidence reviewed by prosecutors shows the same dog had previously attacked the child, causing serious injuries.
After reviewing what it described as “horrendous details,” the DA’s office formally elevated the case to first-degree murder. The charge carries a punishment of life in prison or life without the possibility of parole.
Lambert and McGuire remain in custody on $1 million bond each.
Note: All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
