Oxford Man Jailed for Life After Heartless Murder of Partner
“I’m Going to Miss GTA”: Oxford Man Jailed for Life After Heartless Murder of Partner
OXFORD, UK — A man who callously lamented that his prison sentence would cause him to miss the release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI has been jailed for life for the murder of his former partner.
Robert Richens, 35, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Saturday, February 7, where he was handed a minimum term of 16 years and one month in prison. Richens had previously pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of 40-year-old Rachael Vaughan in May 2025.
“Heartless” Lack of Remorse
The court heard that following his arrest on 30th May 2025, Richens displayed a staggering lack of remorse. While in police custody, he was captured on body-camera footage expressing concern not for his victim, but for his own entertainment schedule.
“I’m going to miss GTA and that,” Richens told officers during his processing, referring to the highly anticipated Rockstar Games sequel. He then added, “Oh, I’m going to get life.”
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May of Thames Valley Police condemned the killer’s attitude, labeling his actions as "merciless" and "heartless."
The Night of the Murder
The court heard that at 6:26 a.m. on 30th May 2025, Richens called emergency services from his home on Luther Street to report that he had killed a woman. When officers and South Central Ambulance Service crews arrived at Ms. Vaughan’s home in Abingdon, they found her with catastrophic injuries. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation revealed that Richens had left Ms. Vaughan alone in her house after the attack, making no attempt to seek medical attention or help her until he realized he had "nowhere else to turn."
A Family’s Unimaginable Loss
Rachael Vaughan, a mother of two described by friends as a "kind and vibrant soul," was killed in the place she should have felt safest. DCI May addressed the family's grief following the sentencing.
“My thoughts remain with Rachael Vaughan’s family and with everyone who loved her as they continue to face what is an unimaginable loss,” May said. “Today’s sentence means that Richens will now face the consequences of his actions.”
GTA VI and the Digital Alibi Era
The mention of Grand Theft Auto in a murder trial is becoming a disturbingly common trend in UK courts. In 2023, Northern Ireland man Stephen McCullagh was convicted of murdering Natalie McNally after he attempted to use a pre-recorded GTA livestream as a "digital alibi."
For Richens, however, the game wasn't an alibi, it was his primary concern. His obsession with the fictional world of Los Santos has now cost him his freedom in the real world, ensuring he will be behind bars long after the game’s 2026 release.
