Family of Missing Geologist Daniel Robinson Fights for Answers

The family of Daniel Robinson is demanding answers about the geologist’s June 23 disappearance.

This week, Daniel’s father David and brother Roger spoke to CNN’s Brianna Keilar about David’s case. He was last seen leaving a job site in Arizona on the day he was reported missing.

In the interview, David describes his son as an “outspoken” man who, despite being born without a right hand, excelled in academics and extracurriculars, including playing the trombone and French horn.

“When he got into college, he sought out to be a geologist. He pursued his dreams and he accomplished those goals, graduated with honors. He also is a friendly guy. He always had friends,” David said.

Nearly a month after his disappearance, the Buckeye Police Department said in a July press release that a rancher found Daniel’s Jeep on its side in a ravine approximately four miles southwest of the job site.

Officials also say that the car’s airbag was deployed, and that initial evidence indicates that Daniel was wearing a seat belt at the time of the supposed accident. Authorities also found his clothes, cell phone, wallet, and keys.

Police stated in the release that no foul play is suspected.

However, in their interview with CNN, Daniel’s family said they believe otherwise.

“There’s too many things going on with this case. From the beginning, from a family standpoint, Daniel would never do anything without telling his family,” David said, adding that it was unusual when they hadn’t heard from him for six hours.

“Once his vehicle was found, the way it was found, it didn’t look right, it didn’t sit right with me,” David added as to why he hired a private investigator.

Per an updated September press release from authorities, on July 31, officials found a human skull in an area south of where Daniel’s Jeep had been recovered. However, it was later determined that the remains do not belong to Daniel.

Recently, David created a GoFundMe page to raise money for printing flyers, organizing search-and-rescue teams, and paying for a private investigator.

“I traveled from South Carolina to be in the frontline of all efforts to locate my son. Like any father, I [intend] on staying indefinitely until we have answers and bring Daniel home safely,” he wrote.

As of this writing, the page has raised over $113K.

In a Change.org petition created by Shawnta McDonald on behalf of David, David says he wants his son’s investigation changed from a missing person to a criminal investigation, as this change “will allow the Buckeye Police Department to use the evidence obtained to seek warrants.”

David also alleged that his private investigator “found that my son’s vehicle was staged and that a possible crime had occurred.”

“To date, there have been no warrants sought for my son. The Buckeye Police Department refuses to change its theory and wants to continue in a missing person direction. Based on the evidence, this is unacceptable and the Buckeye Police Department must be held accountable!” he alleged.