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Robert F. Atkins, of Falls Township, is charged with first and second-degree murder, robbery, and arson in the 1991 murder of 35-year-old Joy Hibbs, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday, May 25.
Prosecutors say Atkins tried to cover up the April 19, 1991 crime by setting her Spencer Drive home on fire.
After the fire was put out, she was found dead inside her 12-year-old son's bedroom, authorities said.
Investigators initially thought Hibbs died in an accidental fire, but an autopsy the next day revealed she had been repeatedly stabbed, had fractured ribs, and was likely asphyxiated, they said. The autopsy also revealed that there was no smoke in her lungs, indicating that she died before the fire, according to the pathologist.
For the next 30 years, Atkins — who lived a few doors down and occasionally sold marijuana to her and her husband — remained a person of interest in her murder, but always denied any involvement, according to the DA's office.
The charges were brought forward after a five-month grand jury investigation that included revealing testimony from Atkins' ex-wife.
April Atkins testified that her then-husband came home covered in blood on April 19, 1991, and admitted to stabbing someone and lighting their house on fire, the DA's office said.
"He then told her to call out of work and gather the kids because they were taking a trip to the Poconos," DA Matt Weintraub said. "She said he put his bloody clothes in the wash and showered."
It wasn't until they got back from the trip back two days later, that she found out it was Hibbs who had been killed, she testified. She claims she kept quiet because she was afraid of her then-husband.
Also, during the one-hour timeline that investigators say Hibbs was killed, witnesses reported seeing a blue Chevy Monte Carlo parked haphazardly outside the Hibbs home. Atkins was known to have the same vehicle, authorities said.
Hibbs was remembered by family as a "sweet, charming southern girl from central Florida."
"A loving and devoted mother, wife, and medical assistant. She was highly regarded and loved by her friends, neighbors, and co-workers alike," a statement reads.
Atkins remains held in the Bucks County Correctional Facility without bail.
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