LEILA FADEL, HOST:
The mystery of a geologist in Arizona who's still missing three years after he disappeared near Phoenix - despite leads and tips from the public, authorities say they have no idea what happened to 24-year-old Daniel Robinson. But Robinson's father has not stopped looking. NPR's Jonathan Franklin reports.
JONATHAN FRANKLIN, BYLINE: David Robinson describes his son Daniel as someone with a bold personality who can make friends easily.
DAVID ROBINSON: He's a very open person. He's very adventurous and loved to be a part of everything.
FRANKLIN: David says it's been a difficult time for his family since Daniel went missing on June 23, 2021.
ROBINSON: We constantly have reminders, like, you know, for birthdays, the holidays, Christmas, Thanksgiving. Also, like, right now, we have a family reunion, and, you know, Daniel's not present.
FRANKLIN: Daniel was last seen just after 9:00 a.m. that June morning. Authorities say he was leaving his work site at a well in Buckeye, a city right outside of Phoenix. According to the Buckeye Police Department, his Jeep was found in a desert ravine on July 19, nearly a month later. Detectives say Daniel's Jeep had significant damage. It was not clearly visible to search crews because of the rough terrain. Daniel's clothes, his cell phone, wallet, and keys were all found at the scene. But three years later, Daniel is still missing. David says he's been working tirelessly to ensure that his son's case isn't forgotten.
ROBINSON: But there's evidence out there. You just have to go look for.
FRANKLIN: The Buckeye Police Department declined our request for an interview but said in a statement there's no evidence of foul play. However, Daniel's father says he believes that foul play did play a role in his son's disappearance.
ROBINSON: What we found on that scene, my investigator gave evidence, physical evidence, of foul play. We do know the scene is not right.
FRANKLIN: David says that evidence includes additional paint damage on Daniel's vehicle, along with the Jeep being cranked dozens of times after the crash. Daniel's father says he's continuing his efforts to raise awareness about the case. He's even taking it a step further, announcing his run for U.S. Congress in his home state of South Carolina. If elected, David says he plans to make the process of finding a missing loved one easier for families.
ROBINSON: I've been doing 49 weeks of desert searches and - for my son, talking to other family members out there who actually even had missing loved ones of their own but, yet, is out in the desert with me. That gave me a passion to help others just like they helped me.
FRANKLIN: David says he will continue to return to Arizona to work with authorities to search for Daniel. He says he would do whatever it takes to bring his son home.
ROBINSON: I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can do, make sure that Daniel's case remains open, don't become a cold case.
FRANKLIN: Jonathan Franklin, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF I DON'T LIKE MIRRORS' "I MISS YOUR WARM HANDS")
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