Shivangi Sinha
When the full extent of Heather Robinson’s story emerged, it was deeply unsettling. The revelation that her mother’s killer, John Robinson, had handed her over to his own brother’s family to raise was almost too shocking to believe. Amid this revelation, Don and Frieda Robinson, Heather’s adoptive parents, were thrust into the spotlight. Though they were completely innocent, their world was suddenly turned upside down. Lifetime’s ‘Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story’ explores their perspective through the characters of Mike and Jill Robinson. Actors Ross Crain and Sarah Hudson portray them with nuance and sensitivity and capture the emotional complexity and turmoil they likely faced in real life.
Don and Frieda Robinson Had No Knowledge of Lisa Stasi’s Murder
Frieda and Donald “Don” Robinson had built a life together in Chicago, Illinois, and shared a happy marriage. However, the one thing they felt was missing was a child. When they began the adoption process, they quickly realized how difficult and time-consuming it could be. Years passed with little progress, and during that time, they mentioned their struggles to Don’s brother, John Edward Robinson. John claimed to have connections with adoption attorneys and offered to help. In October 1984, he told them a baby might soon be available, but that plan fell through. Then, in January 1985, he returned with another opportunity.
John told Don and Frieda that there was a 4-month-old baby named Tiffany whose birth mother had died by suicide in a Kansas motel. He claimed the young woman had been rejected by her family and had taken her own life. Believing his story, Don and Frieda immediately flew out to Kansas, where they were handed the baby girl. They named her Heather Tiffany Robinson and raised her with love and care. For years, life went on smoothly until June 2000, when John was arrested at his farm in La Cygne, Kansas. Authorities discovered the remains of two women on his property and suspected him of murdering a woman named Lisa Stasi back in January 1985.
The truth began to unravel with a brief investigation revealing that Lisa was, in fact, Heather’s biological mother. DNA testing in 2000 confirmed the connection, and authorities also discovered that the adoption papers and related documents had been entirely forged. In 2002, John was convicted of three murders, including Lisa’s, despite her remains never being recovered. Investigators found no evidence linking Don and Frieda to the crimes or suggesting they had any prior knowledge of them. Heather was just about 16 when the truth surfaced, but she chose to remain with her adoptive parents. Upon turning 18, she was formally adopted by Don and Frieda and decided to keep the name Heather.
Don and Frieda Robinson Are Content With Their Lives Today
Don and Frieda Robinson largely chose to remain silent in public about the case and its emotional toll on their lives. Reports indicated that Don lost two jobs due to the intense media attention, and the family endured a challenging period. It wasn’t until 2019, during an ABC News feature on Heather, that Don shared his side of the story. At the time, Heather was also recording her podcast, ‘The Lisa Stasi Effect,’ where she discussed her birth mother and interviewed her adoptive father. In the conversation, he recalled the shock of discovering that his brother was a serial killer. He also expressed that one of his and Frieda’s greatest fears was losing their daughter after the truth came to light. His words and visible concern underscored that, above all, his priority had always been Heather’s well-being.
Don and Frieda Robinson now live a quiet and private life in Rockford, Illinois. Since their retirement in 2013, they have consciously stepped away from the public eye, choosing to spend their time surrounded by close friends, neighbors, and, most importantly, family. They have remained steadfast in their love for Heather and are now embracing a new chapter as devoted grandparents. Despite his retirement, Don remains active in the local community. A warm and compassionate man by nature, he regularly volunteers and helps raise funds for causes close to his heart. Among these are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which provides treatment for children battling cancer, and Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, a local no-kill shelter that cares for abandoned and injured animals.
Don studied Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, and his thoughtful, empathetic approach to life reflects that background. He brings those qualities to his role as a grandfather, which he and Frieda consider one of life’s greatest blessings. Heather shares a deep and close bond with them, and the Robinsons are an active part of their lives. Whether it’s weekend visits, birthday parties, or simple everyday moments, Don and Frieda relish their life, and their home is filled with love, laughter, and the comfort of having built something strong and lasting.
Read More: Is Dean Stasi Based on a Real Person? What Happened to Him?
