After over 30 years of mystery and tragedy, the family of Joy Hibbs can finally find closure as her cold case murder has been solved.
Robert Atkins, a convicted murderer from Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, was arrested on May 25, 2022, in connection with Joy Hibbs’ homicide.
Joy Hibbs was found dead on April 19, 1991, in her Bristol Township home in Pennsylvania. Her family home was engulfed in flames when police arrived, and it was later revealed that Joy had been violently assaulted, asphyxiated, and stabbed five times before the fire was set to cover up her murder.
Atkins was charged with both first-degree and second-degree murder, along with seven counts of arson and two counts of robbery. After a lengthy trial, Atkins was found guilty of first-degree murder and arson on February 1, 2024, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Joy’s husband, Charlie Hibbs, expressed his relief as justice was finally served for his high school sweetheart. He stated, “Joy was my high school sweetheart, my first love, mother to my children, and the loving soul that kept our family together. The choice he made that day broke our hearts but strengthened us as a family.”
Atkins remains incarcerated at SCI Camp Hill in Lower Allen Township, Pennsylvania. The investigation and trial surrounding Joy Hibbs’ murder will be featured in an upcoming episode of Dateline NBC titled Justice For Joy, scheduled to be aired on April 12, 2024, at 9 pm EST. Audience members who can’t catch the broadcast can watch the episode on Hulu or Peacock.
The arrest and conviction of Robert Atkins for Joy Hibbs’ murder bring closure to a family that has been haunted by the mystery of her death for decades. The wheels of justice have finally turned, giving Joy Hibbs the justice she deserves.
