Family of Daniel Erving calls for murder charges after evidence‑tampering arrests in teen’s drowning death

DALLAS — The family of 18‑year‑old Daniel Erving is calling for murder charges after two teens were arrested for evidence tampering in connection with his April drowning at Lake Ray Hubbard. The arrests intensified pressure on Dallas police and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to present the case to a grand jury.

What happened to Daniel Erving?

Erving drowned on April 14 after jumping from a bridge. He had been fishing and swimming with 19‑year‑old Lucas Roper and a juvenile. Emergency crews recovered his body four days later. The Dallas County Medical Examiner ruled the death an accidental drowning. However, the family strongly disputes that conclusion.

Evidence Tampering Raises New Questions

According to arrest affidavits, Roper and the juvenile allegedly threw Erving’s clothing into a tree line. They also discarded his cellphone from a moving vehicle and deleted messages between themselves and Erving.

“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?” said Erving’s mother, Tameca Erving to CBS News.

The family argues the suspects’ actions contradict an accidental‑drowning narrative. They say the teens left Erving in the water and never called for help. Moreover, they say the suspects returned to school and continued daily life while Erving remained missing.

Attorneys Demand Homicide Charges

Family attorney Sean Daredia told the outlet the evidence suggests foul play.

“Daniel Irving was an honor roll student. He was 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.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has also joined the case, urging prosecutors to pursue murder charges.

“Send it to a grand jury,” Crump said. “Argue zealously, just as if it was your child.”

Crump said the evidence‑tampering charges represent “partial justice,” insisting the family deserves “whole justice.”

Community Pushes for Accountability

Advocates say the three‑month delay before arrests deepened mistrust. Supporters argue the investigation must move forward quickly. They also say Erving’s background as a strong swimmer and honor‑roll student contradicts the accidental‑drowning ruling.

The family continues to demand a full review of the case.

“We won’t accept tampering charges,” Erving’s mother said. “Take this case. Take the facts.”

As the investigation continues, the community remains united behind the family’s call for justice. They say Erving deserves a complete and transparent accounting of what happened the night he died.

A fundraiser has been launched by the Erving’s family.