Family of 18-year-old who drowned after jumping into lake with friends calls for murder charges

DALLAS (KTVT) - Three months after an 18-year-old Texas man drowned after jumping into a lake with friends, his family is now calling for murder charges in his case.

In April, 18-year-old Daniel Erving drowned in Lake Ray Hubbard in Rowlett. The incident happened after he and two other young men – 19-year-old Lucas Roper and a 17-year-old – jumped into the lake from a bridge, according to an arrest affidavit.

Dallas Police say after conducting a thorough investigation, they determined Daniel Erving’s cause of death was accidental, but just a few days ago, Roper and the 17-year-old were arrested for tampering with evidence.

The two suspects are accused of throwing out Daniel Erving’s clothes and cellphone and driving away from the scene in his car, according to the affidavit. The document also indicates Roper admitted to deleting text messages between him and the 18-year-old from his phone.

Daniel Erving’s family is now calling for murder charges in the case.

“Our family has gone through so much the past three months waiting for the justice system to provide justice,” said Daniel’s mother, Tameca Erving.

“Complete agony, day and night, from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. It’s a solid time between all of us. We’re so equally yoked and connected that we feel this deeply,” said Daniel’s sister, Mckenzie Erving.

Family attorney Sean Daredia says they will be conducting their own investigation.

“This family has lost confidence in the system that is supposed to protect them. This family has a distrust of the Dallas Police Department. They have not given this death of 18-year-old Daniel Erving the urgency it deserves and demands,” Daredia said.

He adds Daniel Erving, who was Black, was an honor roll student and a member of his swim team.

“He was a strong, healthy young athlete. For these two suspects to say he drowned and they left, it doesn’t add up. Something smells off to us,” Daredia said.

Dallas Police and the district attorney declined to comment due to this being an active investigation.