Man Ordered To Trial In Step-Son's Death

There are new developments in a Claremore child's death. A Rogers County judge ruled the victim's step-father will stand trial for the 4-year-old boy's murder. Christopher Barnard died from blunt trauma to his stomach in April.

The News On 6 Ashli Sims reports Christopher Barnard's biological father and paternal grandmother fought back tears in court on Monday, as investigators described how they believe the boy died.

Steven Lockler, Jr. showed no emotion as he shuffled into the Rogers County Courthouse, flanked by his attorneys.

The Claremore police officer who was first to respond to the Deer Run Apartments told the judge Christopher was not breathing, when he got there. He testified he lifted the 4-year-old's shirt to try to revive him and saw several bruises on his chest and stomach, one red, others yellowing.

Lockler first told police that they boy fell out of the tub, but officers say he later confessed to abusing the boy.

A Claremore detective testified that Lockler told him Christopher had soiled his clothes on the morning of April 28th. According to the investigator, Lockler got angry, punching the boy twice in the stomach and beating him with a belt.

The detective said Lockler told him after Christopher was clean, he couldn't stand on his own, falling twice.

The investigator testified that Lockler told him he put the boy on the couch and went to make bacon, before he noticed the child wasn't breathing.

There was no mention in the hearing of Christopher's history with DHS. A report released in June revealed the agency had been called eight times in four years, but never confirmed any abuse. And the state objected when the defense asked about Christopher's mother, Roxann Barnard, who was arrested in May, accused of permitting child abuse.

Lockler's attorneys didn't present any evidence and the officer's testimony was enough to convince a judge to bind Lockler over for trial.

Steven Lockler, Jr.'s attorneys did not want to comment, since the case is ongoing. His next court appearance is next month.

Christopher's mother Roxann Barnard is scheduled to have her preliminary hearing next week.

Related Story:

05/01/2008 - Man Charged With Murder In Step-Son's Death