Family Demands Justice After Texas Teen’s Drowning Incident

The family of an 18-year-old Texas honor student, Daniel Erving, whose body was found in a lake near Dallas, is calling for murder charges. Police had initially accused two teenagers of concealing evidence instead of reporting the drowning.

Daniel Erving was last seen around 4:45 p.m. on April 13 after leaving his home in Rowlett. According to the Rowlett Police Department, he left only with his cellphone, leaving behind his driver’s license, money, and other personal items. His family reported him missing soon after.

Three days later, authorities found Erving’s body near the Paddle Point area of Lake Ray Hubbard. The Dallas County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accidental drowning, according to the Dallas Police Department.

Dallas police told Fox News Digital that detectives conducted a thorough investigation, including interviews with witnesses, evidence collection, and consultations with the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Despite the ruling of accidental death, investigators found that two individuals present at the scene failed to report the incident and later discarded Erving’s belongings.

Police have charged Lucas Roper, 19, and a juvenile with Tampering with Physical Evidence, a third-degree felony. Both have been arrested, and their cases will move through the legal system. Additional details are scarce due to the ongoing investigation.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox 4 Dallas, Erving, Roper, and a juvenile allegedly jumped into the water from a railroad bridge. The affidavit alleges Erving drowned, but instead of seeking help, Roper and the juvenile got rid of Erving’s clothing, deleted messages from his phone, and left the scene.

During a recent press conference, Erving’s family expressed doubts about the accidental drowning ruling and called for further investigation.

The family has retained an independent investigative team. Family attorney Sean Daredia questioned the actions of discarding Erving’s belongings if his death was accidental.

If it’s an accident, why hide the clothes? Why flee the scene? Why toss Daniel Erving’s cell phone out the car?

Erving’s mother, Tameca, echoed these concerns, demanding justice for her son.

Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), a North Texas civil rights organization, has joined Erving’s family in their demand for transparency and additional charges if supported by evidence.

NGAN President Dominique Alexander emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation. He said the arrests were a step forward but urged the District Attorney’s Office to examine all evidence.

Erving’s family continues to question the delay between his disappearance and the eventual arrests. They also raise concerns over the handling of Erving’s belongings.

The Rowlett Police Department initially managed the investigation until the case was transferred to the Dallas Police Department, where the death occurred.

As the investigation continues, both police departments have committed to cooperation. They stated that further information could compromise the integrity of the investigation.