Charges Filed in Texas Lake Drowning Case

In April, the body of 18-year-old Daniel Erving was found in Lake Ray Hubbard, Texas, after an accidental drowning. Two teenagers, Lucas Roper, 19, and an unnamed 17-year-old, face charges for tampering with physical evidence related to his death. The body was recovered four days after Erving was reported missing.

Dallas police arrested the suspects on July 9, but it remains unclear if they have legal representation. Efforts to contact them have been unsuccessful.

Erving’s family, represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, urges the Dallas County District Attorney to present evidence to a grand jury and pursue all potential charges. Erving’s mother, Tameka Erving, stated her son received “partial justice” and seeks full accountability.

Crump emphasized the importance of “whole justice” and alleged the suspects attempted to conceal their involvement with Erving. He called for law enforcement to exhibit diligence in the investigation.

Erving, a Sachse High School senior, disappeared on April 13 after visiting the lake with Roper and the juvenile. The three allegedly jumped off a railroad bridge, leading to Erving’s drowning. According to an affidavit, Roper and the juvenile left the scene and discarded items belonging to Erving.

The mother of the 17-year-old stated her son searched for Erving but was unable to find him. Roper reportedly admitted to panicking and fleeing after the drowning, deleting communications with Erving from his phone, fearing an investigation.

Erving’s mother criticized the handling of the case, questioning delays in urgency and communication by Rowlett police. Investigators from Rowlett and Dallas have been tight-lipped, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Dallas Police expressed condolences to Erving’s family, acknowledging the incident’s tragic outcome. The department leads the investigation, assisted by Rowlett police.