Attleboro man sentenced to prison after murdering 80-year-old, setting her house on fire

A Bristol County man was sentenced Tuesday in Fall River Superior Court concerning a case that has garnered local attention.

Adam Rollins of Attleboro was charged in connection with the death of 80-year-old Judith Henriques, who was found dead after a house fire at her 30 Division Street home in Attleboro on November 18, 2022.

After pleading guilty on May 8th to Murder, Arson of a Dwelling, and Unarmed & Assault Burglary, Rollins was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. An Assault to Rape charge was dropped.

Rollins was arrested on January 1, 2023, in Weymouth, following a months-long investigation. He was initially charged with burglary with assault, accused of attacking Henriques and stealing family heirlooms, including approximately $1,200 worth of jewelry, before the fire. Prosecutors linked Rollins to the crime through evidence such as sneakers, alcohol nips, and an ATM card with his name found near the crime scene by Henriques’ family. Video evidence also showed Rollins purchasing similar nips at a liquor store near his home hours before the fire.

On January 10, 2023, Rollins was arraigned on upgraded charges of murder and arson in Attleboro District Court. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and he was ordered held without bail. Prosecutors noted that a preliminary autopsy indicated Henriques died before the fire, with minimal soot in her lungs and low carbon monoxide levels in her blood, suggesting she was not alive during the blaze.

In March 2023, a Bristol County grand jury indicted Rollins on further charges, including assault with intent to rape Henriques. A separate indictment also charged him with two counts of possession of child pornography, related to alleged crimes between May 2021 and January 2023. These indictments transferred the case to Fall River Superior Court for prosecution.

In April 2023, during a hearing in Fall River Superior Court, Assistant District Attorney Jason Mohan revealed that Henriques died of severe head injuries and neck wounds consistent with strangulation, inflicted before the fire. She was found nude from the waist down, with ripped pants and underwear nearby, supporting the assault with intent to rape charge. Rollins was described as the first cousin of one of Henriques’ sons-in-law, and his brother was a business partner of her son. The prosecution presented evidence, including Henriques’ jewelry found discarded on Lindsey Street. Rollins’ defense argued there was no direct evidence placing him inside the house, and his attorneys suggested other individuals had motive and opportunity.