The family of Daniel Erving, an 18-year-old who drowned in April at a north Texas lake, is calling for complete justice after two teenagers were charged with tampering with physical evidence in connection with his death. The Dallas Police Department announced the arrests of Lucas Roper, 19, and a 17-year-old juvenile suspect on July 9.
Tameka Erving, Daniel's mother, stated at a press conference on Tuesday that her son received "partial justice" with the arrests. She was joined by their attorney, Ben Crump, who echoed the sentiment, vowing to secure "whole justice" for Daniel Erving.
"We're going to make them get justice -- not partial justice, not half justice, not three-fifths justice, but we're going to get whole justice for Daniel Erving," Crump said.
According to the arrest affidavit, Roper and the juvenile suspect are accused of concealing evidence following Erving's drowning. They each face a charge of tampering with physical evidence, a third-degree felony. It remains unclear if the arrested individuals have legal representation.
Erving was reported missing by the Rowlett Police Department on April 13, after he was last seen with Roper and the juvenile at Lake Ray Hubbard. Investigators allege the three jumped into the water from a railroad bridge, where Erving subsequently drowned. His body was recovered on April 17.
The affidavit further alleges that after Erving's drowning, Roper and the juvenile fled the scene in Roper's vehicle and discarded some of Erving's belongings. Roper allegedly threw Erving's clothing into a tree line near the bridge, and the juvenile is accused of throwing Erving's cellphone from the vehicle at Roper's direction.
"A reasonably minded person would know that if you were not guilty of a crime, why would you throw away his phone, throw away his clothes and not call his mother,” Tameka Erving said during a press conference on Monday. "I want justice for my son. I want justice for Daniel."
Roper reportedly admitted to detectives during a voluntary interview that he "panicked" after Erving drowned and that he and the juvenile fled the scene. He also admitted to deleting communications with Erving from his cellphone, stating he "was aware that there would be an investigation into Daniel Erving's death and he did not want to get into trouble,” according to the affidavit.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Daniel Erving's death an accidental drowning. The Dallas Police Department is the lead agency investigating the case, with the Rowlett Police Department providing assistance.
"The Dallas Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Daniel Erving," a DPD spokesperson said in a statement. "This was a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a young person. Both suspects have been arrested, and the cases will proceed through the criminal justice system."
As the matter is an active criminal investigation and pending prosecution, the Dallas Police Department stated that no additional details can be provided at this time.