A man named Robert Richens has been sentenced to life in prison following a murder investigation carried out by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit. The case has attracted widespread attention after disturbing footage surfaced online showing Richens crying and making unsettling comments shortly after admitting to killing his ex-girlfriend.
The video, in which Robert Richens is seen breaking down over the video game GTA, is now widely circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and has sparked strong reactions from viewers.
Who Is Robert Richens?
Robert Richens is a 35-year-old man from Luther Street in Oxford. He was arrested in May last year after police found the body of his former partner inside his home. Richens later accepted responsibility for the killing and pleaded guilty to murder.
What Did Robert Richens Do on the Day of the Murder?
In the early hours of May 30, at around 6.26am, Robert Richens contacted police from his home and informed them that he had killed a woman. Officers were immediately sent to the address.
Police arrived alongside the South Central Ambulance Service and attempted lifesaving treatment. However, the victim, Rachael Vaughan, aged 40 from Abingdon, was declared dead at the scene. Richens was arrested later the same day and formally charged on May 31.
Robert Richens’ 999 Call and Police Response
Footage from the case included audio from the emergency call made by Robert Richens. During the call, he told the operator that he believed the killing had been accidental. He also said he was being honest and expressed shame over what he had done while becoming emotional.
After officers entered the property and discovered Rachael Vaughan’s body, Richens was arrested outside the address. Despite the efforts of emergency services, she could not be saved.
Robert Richens’ Disturbing Comments After Arrest
The footage also showed Robert Richens being taken to a police station, where he cried and said he would miss playing the video game Grand Theft Auto. When an officer asked which version he meant, Richens replied that it was GTA 6. The officer responded by telling him that the game’s release was still a long way off. Richens later became distressed and said he believed he would receive a life sentence.
Robert Richens Charged and Guilty Plea Explained
Robert Richens was formally charged later on the day of his arrest. In December 2025, he appeared before Oxford Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to one count of murder at an earlier hearing.
Robert Richens Sentenced at Oxford Crown Court
On February 6, Robert Richens returned to Oxford Crown Court for sentencing. He was given a life sentence, with the judge setting a minimum term of 16 years and one month for the murder of Rachael Vaughan.
Police Statement on Robert Richens’ Actions
Following the sentencing, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May said his thoughts remained with Rachael Vaughan’s family and loved ones as they continued to cope with an unimaginable loss. He explained that Rachael had been killed in her own home, a place where she should have felt safe.
The officer added that Robert Richens’ actions were described as heartless, stating that he left Rachael alone, failed to seek medical help, and only contacted police when he had no other option.
He concluded by saying that the sentence ensured Richens would now face the consequences of his actions.
