Updated

Updated · CNN · Jul 14

Two Teens Face 3rd-Degree Evidence Charges in Daniel Erving Drowning as Family Seeks Murder Probe

Updated

Updated · CNN · Jul 14

Two Teens Face 3rd-Degree Evidence Charges in Daniel Erving Drowning as Family Seeks Murder Probe

Q: What was in the deleted phone messages that made two teens risk a decade in prison after their friend's death?

No one outside investigators appears to know. The public record does not disclose the contents of the deleted messages, only that Lucas Roper admitted deleting “all communications” with Daniel Erving from his phone, including texts and call logs, after Erving drowned at Lake Ray Hubbard. According to the arrest affidavits and police statements, the deleted exchanges were communications between Roper and Erving on the day of the incident. Investigators say Roper told them he erased them because he knew there would be an investigation and “did not want to get into trouble.” Police also allege he instructed the juvenile suspect to throw away Erving’s cellphone and that Erving’s clothing was discarded near the bridge. That means the key fact is not what the messages specifically said, but that authorities believe the teens tried to destroy potential evidence after the drowning. In Texas, tampering with physical evidence is a third-degree felony punishable by two to ten years in prison, which is why the stakes are so high. The family’s public questions center on the same issue: if the death was accidental, why hide the phone, clothing and message history? But based on what has been released so far, there is no verified public evidence showing the messages contained threats, a plan, or proof of a more serious crime. The investigation remains open, and any answer beyond that would be speculation.

3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 14

Dallas police arrested 19-year-old Lucas Roper and a juvenile on tampering charges after Daniel Erving, 18, drowned at Lake Ray Hubbard in April and his body was found four days later.
An autopsy obtained Wednesday said the two with Erving disposed of his belongings and failed to report the incident; an affidavit also says Roper deleted text messages between them.
The medical examiner ruled the death an accidental drowning and wrote June 29 that there were no current suspicions of foul play, though the finding could be amended if new information emerges.
Erving’s family, backed by attorneys Ben Crump and Sean Daredia, says the account does not add up for a swim-team athlete and is pressing for murder charges while launching an independent investigation.