Family Seeks Justice in the Drowning of Texas Teen

The family of Daniel Erving, an 18-year-old from Texas, is calling for murder charges after police charged two teenagers with concealing evidence related to his drowning. Erving’s body was found in a Dallas-area lake, and his family wants further investigation.

Incident Overview

Daniel Erving vanished on April 13, following his departure from his home in Rowlett. He left only with his cellphone, abandoning his driver’s license, cash, and personal items. His absence was reported to the Rowlett Police Department. Tragically, his body was found three days later near the Paddle Point area of Lake Ray Hubbard. The Dallas County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accidental drowning.

Police Investigation and Charges

Dallas police conducted a detailed investigation, which included interviews and evidence collection. They confirmed the cause of death as drowning, classifying it as accidental. Yet, two individuals, Lucas Roper and a juvenile, were charged for tampering with physical evidence. The charges, a third-degree felony, followed after these individuals failed to report the incident and disposed of Erving’s belongings. They were arrested as the judicial proceedings began.

Family’s Demand for Further Action

During a news conference, Erving’s family voiced dissatisfaction with the investigation, pressing for murder charges. Supported by the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), they demanded transparency from authorities. They seek accountability and an exhaustive exploration of the circumstances leading to Erving’s death.

“A reasonable-minded person would know if you are not guilty of a crime, why would you throw away his clothes and delete messages and not even call his mother?”—Tameca Erving, Daniel’s mother

Family attorney Sean Daredia has engaged an independent team to review the case, questioning if the evidence supports an accidental death claim. He urges the consideration of homicide charges should the evidence warrant.

Call for Comprehensive Investigation

NGAN President Dominique Alexander emphasized the need for thorough investigation, urging the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to follow the evidence rigorously. If more charges are justified, they should be filed. The family and NGAN criticized the long delay in arrests and the initial lack of notification about the incident.

Initially, Erving’s disappearance was handled by the Rowlett Police Department before Dallas Police took over due to jurisdiction. With the case active, Rowlett Police continue to cooperate with Dallas detectives, although they refrain from sharing details that may compromise the investigation.