DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - Bucks County officials announce an arrest of a 56-year-old man in connection with in an April 1991 cold case homicide.Robert Atkins, a 56-year-old man from Falls Township, in Bucks County, voluntarily turned himself in to Bucks County officials, after a "tireless" investigation by Bucks County Detectives and a recommendation by a grand jury.Atkins is charged with one count of first degree murder, one count of second degree murder, two counts of robbery and seven counts of arson in a case dating to 1991.Officials stated the grand jury concluded that Atkins murdered 35-year-old Joy Hibbs on April 19, 1991, at her home in Croydon.
She had been stabbed repeatedly and was likely asphyxiated. Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub explained, during a press conference, Hibbs’ autopsy indicated there was no smoke in her lungs, indicating she had been murdered before the fire of her home being set.Joy Hibbs with her children.
Hibbs was a married mother of two in April, 1991. Her 12-year-old son came home from school on April 19, about 1 p.m. to find the family home on fire.
He ran to the neighbors for help. When the fire was extinguished, Joy Hibbs’ body was found inside.The Hibbs' home, after the fire, in Croydon, Bucks County, in April 1991.