Where is Robert Atkins now? ‘Dateline NBC’ revisits neighbour who murdered and set Joy Hibbs on fire over dispute
BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: In a Pennsylvania correctional facility, Robert Atkins awaits the consequences of his actions, having been convicted for the murder of Joy Hibbs. Atkins' heinous deeds on April 19, 1991, forever altered the course of Joy's life, culminating in her tragic death at the hands of her neighbor.
The case, shrouded in mystery for over three decades, finally saw resolution with Atkins' conviction for first-degree murder and arson. Now, confined behind bars, Atkins faces the weight of his crimes, while Joy's family seeks solace and closure after enduring years of uncertainty and pain.
In the latest episode of 'Dateline NBC' Season 32, viewers are invited to delve into the gripping case of Joy Hibbs, whose tragic death in a house fire initially masked a sinister truth. Despite multiple suspects, the investigation into her murder stalled, leaving her case cold for years. Now, decades later, a startling revelation emerges, shedding new light on the mystery surrounding Joy's untimely demise. As the episode unfolds, audiences will be captivated by the twists and turns of this long-puzzling case by Blayne Alexander, exploring the depths of human nature and the enduring quest for justice.
Who is Robert Atkins?
Robert Atkins was the perpetrator behind the brutal murder of Joy Hibbs in April 1991. Born and raised in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, Atkins was a former neighbor of the Hibbs family, living just two doors away from them in the Croydon section of Bristol Township.
Little is known about Atkins' early life and background, but he came into the spotlight when he was arrested in May 2022 in connection with Joy Hibbs' murder, which had remained unsolved for over three decades.
During the trial, it was revealed that Atkins had a history of minor criminal activities and was known to occasionally sell marijuana to Joy Hibbs and her husband. However, the motive behind the murder was attributed to an escalating dispute over the quality of the marijuana Atkins sold to the couple.
Atkins' arrest and subsequent conviction for first-degree murder and arson marked the culmination of a long and exhaustive investigation led by detectives from the Bucks County District Attorney's Office and the Bristol Township Police Department. Ultimately, Robert Atkins will be remembered as the man who robbed Joy Hibbs of her life and left a scar on her family and the community that endured for over three decades before justice was finally served.
Was Robert Atkins involved in illegal business?
Robert Atkins was involved in illegal activities, particularly the sale of marijuana. During the investigation into the murder of Joy Hibbs, it was revealed that Atkins had a history of selling marijuana to Joy Hibbs and her husband. This illegal business relationship played a significant role in the events leading up to Joy Hibbs' murder.
Atkins' involvement in the drug trade was not limited to the Hibbs family. He was known to occasionally sell marijuana to others in the neighborhood as well. However, it was the dispute over the quality of the marijuana sold to the Hibbs couple that ultimately escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in Joy Hibbs' tragic death.
What was the dispute between Robert Atkins and Joy Hibbs?
The dispute between Robert Atkins and Joy Hibbs stemmed from Atkins' involvement in selling marijuana to Joy and her husband. According to testimony and evidence presented during the trial, Atkins had a history of supplying marijuana to the Hibbs family, along with other residents in the neighborhood.
The specific dispute that led to the tragic events unfolded over the quality of the marijuana sold to the Hibbs couple. It's reported that there was dissatisfaction with the product, possibly due to its inferior quality or other related issues. This dissatisfaction escalated into a confrontation between Atkins and Joy Hibbs, likely fueled by frustration and anger over the perceived deception or dissatisfaction with the drug transaction.
While the exact details of the dispute are not fully disclosed, it's evident that tensions between Atkins and the Hibbs family reached a boiling point, ultimately resulting in a violent altercation that led to Joy Hibbs' murder.
How did Robert Atkins conceal Joy Hibbs’ murder?
Robert Atkins went to great lengths to conceal Joy Hibbs' murder by orchestrating a staged house fire to cover up his violent crime. First, Atkins gained entry into Joy's home, engaging in a deadly confrontation where in the heat of the moment, Atkins resorted to physical violence, using a sharp object to repeatedly stab Joy with malicious intent. The frenzied attack caused significant harm to her, resulting in severe injuries to Joy's body.
Moreover, Atkins didn't stop at stabbing alone; he proceeded to strangle Joy, tightening his grip around her neck with deadly force. With Joy's life extinguished Atkins proceeded to set the house ablaze, likely using accelerants to fuel the flames strategically. His goal was twofold: destroy evidence of the murder and create the illusion of an accidental fire.
In the aftermath, Atkins attempted to remove any incriminating traces, such as weapons or forensic evidence. Despite his efforts, diligent investigation ultimately unveiled Atkins' culpability, leading to his conviction for first-degree murder and arson.
When did the police find Robert Atkins?
Robert Atkins managed to evade justice for over three decades before law enforcement finally caught up with him. Despite being a prime suspect early in the investigation, Atkins remained free due to a lack of concrete evidence linking him to the crime. For 33 years, he lived without facing consequences for his alleged actions, blending into the community and avoiding scrutiny.
However, the case took a significant turn in May 2022 when authorities arrested Atkins in connection with Joy Hibbs' murder. This breakthrough came after tireless efforts by detectives from the Bucks County District Attorney's Office and the Bristol Township Police Department. A crucial factor in Atkins' arrest was the testimony of his ex-wife, who provided vital information to investigators.
During her testimony in court, Atkins' ex-wife revealed damning details about his involvement in Joy Hibbs' murder. She recounted a chilling confession made by Atkins, where he admitted to stabbing someone and setting their house on fire. This crucial piece of evidence, coupled with other testimonies and investigative findings, strengthened the case against Atkins, ultimately leading to his arrest and conviction.
What sentence was announced to Robert Atkins?
Robert Atkins faced a significant legal reckoning following his conviction for the murder of Joy Hibbs. After being found guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of arson, Atkins awaited sentencing to determine the consequences of his actions.
During the sentencing hearing, which took place on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in Bucks County Court, Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. delivered the verdict. Atkins, now 57 years old, received a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder conviction. Additionally, Judge Bateman imposed an additional 5-10 years for one of the arson convictions and a concurrent sentence of 10-20 years for the second arson conviction. Atkins' sentencing marked the culmination of a lengthy legal process that spanned over three decades.
The upcoming episode will air on NBC this Friday, March 29, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET.