Teen accused of deleting evidence in lake ray hubbard drowning case

A 19-year-old has been arrested and charged with tampering with evidence in connection with the drowning death of an 18-year-old at Lake Ray Hubbard in April.

Lucas roper detained, faces $10,000 bond

Dallas Police Department records confirm Lucas Roper was taken into custody on July 9, accused of deleting phone messages and throwing out devices shortly after Daniel Erving's fatal plunge.

According to an affidavit, Roper and a 17-year-old companion had jumped into the lake from a bridge with Erving on April 13. However, the 18-year-old's body was not recovered until four days later.

Police allege Roper and the 17-year-old threw Erving's clothes into a tree line before driving away, with Roper reportedly ordering the younger boy to discard the teen's phone. Both items were later found as the investigation progressed.

A review of the recovered phone showed text messages and calls exchanged between Roper and Erving on the day of the incident. Roper subsequently admitted to deleting all communication with the deceased, fearing trouble, the affidavit states.

Community groups and Erving's family have demanded answers and called for justice, criticizing delays and a perceived lack of urgency in the initial response. Dallas Police are continuing to investigate, with additional charges possible.