The family of an 18-year-old honor student from Texas is calling for murder charges following the recovery of his body from a lake near Dallas. Police have charged two teenagers with concealing evidence instead of reporting the drowning. Daniel Erving went missing on April 13 after leaving his Rowlett home without his driver’s license or money. Three days later, authorities found his body near Lake Ray Hubbard, and the Dallas County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accidental drowning.
Despite this ruling, Erving’s family demands further investigation. Police arrested Lucas Roper, 19, and a juvenile for tampering with evidence. An arrest affidavit notes Erving, Roper, and the juvenile jumped into the lake from a bridge. When Erving drowned, instead of calling 911, the suspects allegedly discarded his belongings and tampered with his phone.
At a news conference organized by the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), Erving’s family expressed belief that questions remain unanswered. Family attorney Sean Daredia criticized actions like hiding Erving’s clothes and discarding his phone. He urged prosecutors to reconsider whether the drowning was accidental and to present the case to a grand jury if warranted. Erving’s mother, Tameca Erving, and his sister, Mackenzie, spoke about the family’s quest for justice and his aspirations of joining the military.
Dominique Alexander, NGAN President, supported the call for a thorough investigation. He emphasized that if additional charges are supported by the evidence, they must be pursued. The family questioned delays in the investigation and noted concerns over how and when Erving’s disappearance was reported.
The Rowlett Police Department initially handled the case before transferring it to the Dallas Police Department. Although the investigation is active, authorities have withheld further information to protect its integrity.