2-year-old girl died after the dog her 24-and-34-year-old parents left her alone with despite knowing it attacked her previously mauled her to death; parents charged
Oklahoma – In a heart-wrenching case out of Oklahoma, two parents are facing first-degree murder and animal cruelty charges after their 2-year-old daughter was mauled to death by a dog they knowingly left her alone with—despite being aware of the dog’s violent past. Authorities say this horrific outcome was not an accident but the direct result of ongoing, willful neglect by the child’s 24-year-old mother, identified as D. Lambert, and 34-year-old father, identified as J. McGuire.
The tragedy unfolded on November 18, 2025, when police responded to a distress call about a “child not breathing.” When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered the toddler already dead, her body bearing the unmistakable signs of a fatal animal attack. Medical personnel confirmed the girl had “horrific injuries,” consistent with being mauled.
However, what shocked investigators even more was the revelation that this wasn’t the first time the same dog had attacked the child. According to the DA’s Office, the toddler had previously survived a serious attack by the same animal. Despite this, her parents continued to keep the dog in the home and ultimately left the child alone with it, a decision that proved fatal. Following the girl’s death, prosecutors upgraded the parents’ initial charges to first-degree murder, alongside two counts of animal cruelty. According to the DA, Lambert and Jorden McGuire “maliciously failed to protect their child and permitted her to remain in the presence of a dangerous, malnourished dog,” even though they were fully aware of the serious risk it posed.
Police Sgt. D. Quirk further elaborated on the horror, saying, “The child was left in that room with the animal for a substantial period of time before she was discovered deceased.” Animal welfare officers later removed four dogs from the property, three of which were reportedly malnourished. In addition, two bearded dragons were seized from the home, adding further evidence to the case of widespread neglect. Authorities say the condition of the animals only underscored the overall disregard for living beings in the household—human or otherwise.
“This is an unspeakably tragic case,” said District Attorney V. Behenna. “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.” Both parents remain held in the county jail, with bond set at $1 million each. If convicted of first-degree murder, they could face life in prison, life without parole, or even the death penalty, depending on how prosecutors choose to proceed. Oklahoma law allows for capital punishment in first-degree murder cases, particularly where children are victims and gross negligence is involved. Though it hasn’t been confirmed whether the state will seek the death penalty in this instance, the nature of the charges suggests that all options are being considered.
As the investigation continues, the death of this little girl has shaken the local community and raised pressing questions about parental responsibility and systemic failure. She did not die at the hands of a stranger or in a tragic accident—but through the inaction and indifference of her own parents, who ignored warning signs, repeated injuries, and a known threat. This case stands as a devastating reminder of what can happen when basic duties of care are abandoned, and it is now up to the justice system to determine what accountability looks like for such a preventable and horrifying loss.
