DA Concerned That Man Sentenced To Life For Killing 4-Year-Old Stepson Could Be Released

A man sentenced to life without parole for murdering his four-year-old stepson could get out of prison soon.

Steven Lockler has served 13 years of his sentence, but his case is expected to be dismissed due to the Supreme Court ruling on tribal jurisdiction.

The victim’s family believed Lockler would never get out of prison, but now the Rogers County District Attorney is concerned he could get out.

Four-year-old Christopher Barnard died in 2008 at the hands of his stepfather, Lockler.

"Steven Lockler was convicted, pled guilty to punching a four-year-old until the child died," said Rogers County District Attorney Matt Ballard.

Lockler admitted to punching the boy twice in the stomach and spanking him, because he soiled his pants. Lockler pleaded guilty and received a sentence of life without parole.

His wife, and Christopher's mother, Roxann Barnard was sentenced to 40 years for enabling child abuse.

Lockler is trying to get the case dismissed because he's Choctaw and the recent Supreme Court ruling says cases on tribal land must be prosecuted by tribal or federal court.

"We recently found out he's one of countless McGirt cases we're dealing with, and he could be potentially released as early as next week," Ballard said.

Ballard said this is a difficult case because it's 13 years old, and all the documents and evidence are incredibly hard to find.

"We've had the courthouse moved, different DA'S, office turnover, trying to find documents that are 13 years old is a challenge," said Ballard. 

In a victim's impact statement from the sentencing, Christopher's biological father Floyd Moore said the murder was "the most tragic thing in my life I have experienced and could ever experience. I loved to hold him and play with him." He goes on to say, "We know Christopher is no longer being tortured, I love you son."

"It makes me sick thinking someone that murdered a child might walk out of prison a free person," Ballard said.

Ballard said he hopes the federal or tribal government can re-file this case and keep Lockler in prison.