A 35-year-old man from Luther Street in Oxford confessed to killing his ex-girlfriend in a frantic 999 call before breaking down over missing the upcoming GTA 6 game.
The Emergency Call and Confession
On May 30, 2025, at around 6:26 a.m., Robert Richens dialed emergency services, stating he had “accidentally killed someone.” He told the operator, “You’re not going to believe this. I think I accidentally killed someone.”
Richens added, “I am being honest because I am ashamed of what I have done,” his voice breaking into sobs during the call.
Response at the Scene
Police officers and paramedics from the South Central Ambulance Service rushed to the property, where they tried unsuccessfully to revive Rachael Vaughan, 40. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chilling Exchange En Route to Station
Bodycam footage captured Richens weeping as officers transported him to the station. Through tears, he lamented, “I’m going to miss GTA and that.” When an officer asked which Grand Theft Auto title, Richens specified GTA 6.
The officer noted he had “ages” to wait before its November release. Richens then wailed, “Ah, I am going to get life.” Authorities charged him with murder later that day.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Richens pleaded guilty to murder on December 12, 2025. At Oxford Crown Court this week, the judge sentenced him to a minimum of 16 years and one month in prison for the killing.
Investigator’s Statement
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May described Richens’ actions as “heartless.” He extended condolences to Vaughan’s family, stating: “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 continued: “Rachael was taken from them in the very place she should have felt safest – her own home. Robert Richens’ actions were heartless. He left Rachael alone in her house, made no attempt to help her or seek medical attention and he only contacted police when he had nowhere else to turn. Today’s sentence means that Richens will now face the consequences of his merciless actions.”
