A motion to modify bond was denied for Buster Robbins, the man charged in a decades-old rape and murder case in Washtenaw County.
Robbins is facing charges in the rape and murder of Beverly Wivell. She was found dead on the side of the road in Superior Township in September 1989.
Robbins is accused of killing Beverly Ann Wivell, who prosecutors say was kidnapped from a park in Canton, sexually assaulted, and then shot to death.
DNA evidence from a rape kit completed in 1989 was sent for forensic genealogy testing in 2024, which linked Robbins to the crime.
Previous coverage: DNA evidence leads to arrest in 1989 rape, murder of mother in Washtenaw County
Robbins remains held at the Washtenaw County Jail.
During a bond hearing on Friday, Dec. 19, Robbins’ defense argued for bond, citing weak evidence and his low flight risk.
The prosecution highlighted the seriousness of the charges, potential danger to the community, and flight risk due to the severity of the potential sentence.
The judge upheld the no-bond decision, citing the seriousness of the offense and existing probable cause.
The court plans to revisit the bond decision on Jan. 16, 2027, after further evidence review.
Robbins’ trial is expected to start in February 2026.