A man jailed for murdering his ex-girlfriend appeared more concerned about missing the release of GTA 6 as police arrested him last year.
Robert Richens was sentenced to life in prison after killing his former partner, Rachael Vaughan. The widely anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release in November this year.
Richens, however, will remain behind bars when the game launches.
On May 30, 2025, Richens called police and said he had committed “something quite serious.” He then claimed he had “accidentally killed someone.” “She’s not moving,” the 35-year-old told the 999 dispatcher. “I am being honest because I am ashamed of what I have done,” he added while crying.
Officers went to his home in Oxfordshire and arrested him on suspicion of murder. Richens told police he was “scared” as they arrived. Inside the property, officers found 40-year-old Rachael Vaughan deceased.
During his arrest, bodycam footage captured Richens crying. He said: “I’m going to miss GTA and that.” An officer responded that he had “ages” to wait until GTA 6, which is slated for a November 19 release. “I’m gonna get life,” Richens then exclaimed.
The officer later repeated Richens’ words on camera. “So I’ve got, I Robert Richens on the 30th of May 2025 said the following, ‘I accidentally killed her. At least I admitted to it. I’m going to miss GTA, I’m going to get life.’”
Court Hears Details Of Prolonged Assault
Prosecutor Neil Moore outlined the circumstances of Vaughan’s death during court proceedings. “Between 11pm and midnight he subjected her to a prolonged assault in her own home,” Moore told the court, as reported by the Oxford Mail.
“There were a number of separate sites of the attack. He punched her and he kicked her and used an implement to beat her. There were 64 sites of blunt force trauma.”
Richens pleaded guilty to one count of murder in December 2025. Last week, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years and one month.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May addressed Vaughan’s family 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,” he said.
“Rachael was taken from them in the very place she should have felt safest — her own home.” He added: “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.”
Richens will remain in custody for at least 16 years. The release of GTA 6 is scheduled for November 19 this year.
Featured image credit: Thames Valley Police
