Man convicted of murdering Abingdon woman before police call confession
Last updated 12th Dec 2025
A 35-year-old man from Oxford has been convicted of the murder of a woman from Abingdon.
Robert Richens, of Luther Street, pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court to killing 40-year-old Rachael Vaughan in May this year.
Officers attended an address after Richens made a call to Oxfordshire Police, where he said he had killed a woman.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with Rachael Vaughan’s family at this extremely difficult time.
“I would like to pay tribute to them for displaying such bravery in supporting this investigation, whilst suffering the loss of a loved one.
“Rachael was killed at home, a place where she should have felt safe.”
“Richen’s actions on 30 May were callous.
"He left Rachael in the home, making no attempt to administer First Aid or seek medical attention for her.
"He called police some hours later, having run out of options. I am pleased that he has pleaded guilty."
Richens will be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court at the end of January 2026.