Teen's Friends Fled Lake and Hid Evidence After His Drowning, Police Say

A Night at the Lake That Ended in Tragedy

Eighteen-year-old Daniel Erving left home with friends headed for Lake Ray Hubbard — and never came back. His family described him as a senior at Sachse High School, a member of the swim team, and an honor-roll student — the kind of kid whose absence left a gaping hole in his community. What followed his death, however, deepened the wound considerably.

According to an arrest affidavit, Erving, 19-year-old Lucas Roper, and a 17-year-old boy jumped into the lake from a bridge on April 13 near Miller Road in Rowlett. Erving drowned, and his body was recovered days later, on April 17. Rather than call for help, the two survivors allegedly made a series of choices that would later draw the attention of law enforcement and fuel months of anguish for Erving's family.

What Investigators Say Happened Next

The affidavit claims that Roper and the 17-year-old threw Erving's clothes into a tree line near the bridge above the water before driving away — and also threw out Erving's cell phone. A review of Erving's phone showed text messages and calls shared between Roper and Erving from the day they went to the lake. A search of Roper's own phone revealed he had deleted all communication between himself and Erving — and he reportedly admitted he was afraid of getting into trouble.

Police later interviewed the juvenile suspect, who told investigators that Roper directed him to throw Erving's cell phone from the vehicle as they were fleeing the lake. Dallas Police interviewed Roper at Sachse High School on April 20, and the affidavit claims Roper admitted to driving off and ordering the 17-year-old to toss Erving's phone. Erving's phone and clothes were ultimately recovered as the investigation got underway.

Arrest Made — But Family Wants More Answers

Jail records confirmed that the Dallas Police Department arrested Lucas Roper on July 9. He is charged with tampering with evidence tied to the death of Daniel Erving. Roper was granted a $10,000 bond. Community advocate Dominique Alexander confirmed the arrest after DPD provided details, and also said a 17-year-old was in custody, though that has not been fully confirmed.

Since Daniel's death, North Texas groups Next Generation Action Network and Justice Seekers have worked with the Erving family, pushing for transparency. Alexander wrote in an open letter to the Dallas Police Department that "the family believes the urgency they requested was not met during the critical early stages," and that silence had "only deepened their worry that this case is not receiving the attention and diligence it demands." Alexander also pointed out that "Daniel left home with somebody, went out there to Ray Hubbard Lake with somebody, but nobody called his mother... nor called 911."

A Community Demanding Justice

As Daniel's family mourns, they now have a legal team working to get more answers on their behalf — Daredia Law announced it will facilitate an independent investigation into Daniel's death. The firm stated that "nearly three months later, the only charge arising from his death is tampering with evidence," and called for "a complete investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads."

Advocate Alexander noted that "this investigation remains ongoing" and that "additional charges may still be forthcoming as investigators continue their work," pledging to monitor the case and advocate for truth and transparency. For the Erving family, a single evidence-tampering charge — nearly three months after losing their son — is only a first step. The question of full accountability for what happened at Lake Ray Hubbard on April 13 remains very much open.