ORLANDO, FLORIDA: David Robinson, a retired US Army veteran, is fervently seeking answers about the mysterious disappearance of his geologist son Daniel Robinson.
As the investigation into Daniel's disappearance unfolds, newly discovered evidence points towards potential 'foul play', raising concerns and questions that have left the family and investigators baffled.
What clues prompted Daniel Robinson's father to seek a private investigator's aid?
The disheartening saga began when Daniel's wrecked Jeep was discovered abandoned in a remote desert area of Arizona. While local authorities initially found no indication of foul play, Robinson, a two-tour Afghanistan veteran, had a gut feeling that something was amiss. He enlisted the help of a private investigator to delve deeper into the perplexing circumstances surrounding his son's disappearance.
One of the most perplexing discoveries was the condition of Daniel's wrecked Jeep. The vehicle had traveled 11 miles after its airbags had deployed, sparking suspicion that someone besides the police had been involved in the incident.
Moreover, signs emerged that someone had searched Daniel's bedroom after he went missing, adding to the mounting concerns about his welfare. Ominous messages received on social media, including a photograph of a man holding a gun claiming to be Daniel's killer, further deepened the family's unease.
Daniel Robinson's disturbing messages and call for help
The family has additionally received unsettling yet unsubstantiated messages on social media. Among these messages was a photograph of an individual brandishing a firearm, with the anonymous sender alleging that this person was responsible for Daniel's disappearance.
Robinson made a public appeal for assistance during CrimeCon 2023 in Orlando, joining the families of other high-profile missing persons' cases. The families shared their frustration with law enforcement's perceived slow response to their respective cases, drawing attention to the urgent need for action.
Despite the mysterious circumstances surrounding Daniel's disappearance, Buckeye Police initially found no indications of foul play. Interviews with friends and family did not reveal any suicidal tendencies or self-harm desires. However, there were peculiar behavioral changes in the days leading up to his vanishing act.
Police investigation and mysterious behavior
Daniel had made cryptic references to driving long distances to "rest," sent emotionally charged texts to a woman he barely knew, and discussed making significant personal changes. These behaviors raised questions but did not provide definitive answers regarding his whereabouts.
"There was no indication of foul play," a detective wrote in a supplemental report, adding there was "no indication that Daniel had packed and planned a trip." Within the room, they discovered his computers and other valuable belongings.
According to his father, the family's private investigator identified two concerning indications: firstly, it appeared that Daniel's bedroom had been meticulously searched by an unidentified party, and secondly, there was evidence suggesting that someone had accessed his computer after his disappearance.
On July 19, 2021, a rancher made a startling discovery: Daniel's 2017 Jeep Renegade, battered and rolled onto its side in a ravine. The vehicle exhibited front-end impact damage, a broken driver's side window, and had lost a portion of its roof. Yet, there was no blood or signs of a prolonged stay at the crash site.
"My investigator found that there was a form of foul play there, and the vehicle was staged," Robinson said.
"I didn't believe my son suffered a severe injury that caused him to kick out the sunroof, shred all his clothes off, hide in a tree, join a monastery and become a monk," as per Fox News.
Police also discovered a collection of water bottles within the vicinity, although none of them were found to be empty. Notably, no discernible tracks were observed at the scene. Nevertheless, investigators made note of the fact that there had been precipitation on at least three occasions between the time of Daniel's last sighting and their arrival at his SUV.
In discussions with law enforcement, family members raised concerns about the removal of Daniel's Instagram photos following his disappearance. "The big mystery is where is Daniel?" said Ted Williams, a renowned lawyer and former Washington, DC, homicide detective. "Dead or alive, where is he?"
"The mystery in this case is who crashed the Jeep? Was it Daniel or was it someone who staged the crash?" he asked.
Robinson's determination to find his son remains unwavering, even after more than two years of searching. He is now calling upon the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to intervene in the case, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the Buckeye Police Department.
Daniel Robinson's identity
Daniel is described as thin with a below-average height. The geologist was born without a right hand.
The Buckeye Police Department is asking anyone with information to call 623-349-6411 or submit tips online at www.buckeyeaz.gov/crimetip. The family has also established a website with information on the case, pleasehelpfinddaniel.com
