My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things, Guichelaar said. Richard Guichelaar claimed he thought his wife had accidentally strangled herself. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Amber Guichelaar was the mother of two young children and taught for Kentwood Public Schools. Shes purple and not breathing.. BELIEVE TO BE A FAIR PROCESS FOR ALL. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. The judge has indicated the sentence will fall within the guidelines. Everyone was certain he had killed her and were relieved when he was arrested in January 2021. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. Amber graduated from Calvin College and had most recently been employed by Kentwood Public Schools, teaching students who were learning English as a second language. In court documents obtained by Target 8, investigators said Richard Guichelaar had called 911 on Nov. 16 and stated he had found his wife, Amber, dead in their bed. So far, well-wishers have donated more than $51,000. Amber Guichelaar met Richard Guichelaar when she taught Spanish at South Christian High School, where his father was principal. 35-year-old man killed after fight in Wyoming Hampton Inn parking lot, Paw Paw Firefighter killed in the line of duty during ice storm to be laid to rest Saturday. He said he waited for Amber to give the baby a dummy but the baby kept crying, so he went upstairs to check on them and found Amber dead. KENTWOOD, MI - A man accused of strangling his pregnant wife, a Kentwood teacher, was ordered held Monday, Jan. 11, on $2 million bond. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her home on Nov. 16, police said. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. They are urging anyone who is suffering in silence to reach out and get help. Her father-in-law, George Guichelaar, formerly served as principal of the high school. He was charged with second-degree murder and intentionally assaulting a pregnant woman. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Guichelaar's wife, Amber, 32, died Nov. 16 at the couple's home on Andrew Street near Kalamazoo Avenue and 52nd Street. The question whether the person is under arrest or not depends not on the legality of the arrest, but on whether the person has been deprived of personal liberty of movement. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. 28K views 9 months ago #domesticviolence Richard Guichelaar of Michigan recently was sentenced to 33 years in prison for his wife Amber's murder. I am sorry, George, DeGraaf said tearfully. Her sister told the detective that she knew the couple had a physical fight several years earlier but thought things had gotten better. Trusock sentenced Richard Guichelaar to between 33 years, 4 months and 100 years in prison for killing his pregnant wife Amber Guichelaar in November 2020. Richard Guichelaar, 35, who was arrested on Saturday, has been charged with open murder in the November 16 death of his wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar. Amber Guichelaar was the mother of two young children and was pregnant with the couples third child when she died,MLive reports. The district said it had been cooperating with law enforcement officials as part of the investigation. Shes right here, Richard Guichelaar said. And the bedroom had been hot because the thermostat was set at 25.5C it had never been set that high before. He choked back tears as he acknowledged in open court that he. Amber Guichelaars sister, Brittany, reminded those in abusive relationships whether that be physically, mentally, emotionally that there is help in the form of friends, family, church members and a number of professional organizations in West Michigan. Amber Guichelaar was pregnant with her third child when she was killed. Shes right here, he said. Judge Mark Trusock set a maximum release date of 100 years. Richard Guichelaar, 35, of Kentwood is charged with open. Indeed, friends told police Richard Guichelaar did so little around the house that Amber Guichelaar basically had three children: the two girls and her husband. Amber Guichelaars sister, Brittany, lived with the couple at their home on Andrew Street in Kentwood, though she was gone the night Amber died. (Daniel Shular/The Grand Rapids Press via AP) The Associated Press. "My. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Guichelaar didnt help with the kids or the chores. Would he ever kill me?. She had, I think she had a sweatshirt around her neck and shes not breathing., He said hed found her in her bed in their bedroom. Guichelaar called 911 to report finding his wife dead in . Richard Guichelaar later told Kentwood police he had slept on a downstairs couch that night because the couples bedroom was too hot. Grand Rapids, MI A Kentwood man is in the Kent County jail, facing a charge of open murder in the death of his pregnant wife. KENTWOOD, Mich. An autopsy of a Kentwood Public Schools teacher, Amber Guichelaar, who was found dead in November, showed injuries consistent with an assault that happened just before her. My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things, Guichelaar said. The pathologist who conducted Guichelaars autopsy, told News 8 several weeks ago that he had asked Kentwood Police to do some additional investigation to assist him in determining the manner of death. Michigan Teacher Was Strangled By Husband, Authorities Say, Richard Guichelaar, 35, who was arrested on Saturday, has been charged with open murder in the November 16 death of his wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar. She was found dead on her bed under what police have described as "suspicious" circumstances, according to a statement from the Kentwood Police Department. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. Richard Guichelaar has pleaded guilty plea for second-degree murder and one count of assault on a pregnant woman causing miscarriage with intent or recklessness. Her husband called 911 around 3:30 a.m. that morning to report that he had found his wife dead on their bed, according to a probable-cause affidavit obtained by the outlet. Related: Man charged in pregnant wifes slaying held on $2 million bond. Court documents obtained by WXMI revealed that just over a year before she was killed, the Guichelaars had encountered significant legal trouble. Because prosecutors could not prove premeditation, they charged him with second-degree murder instead of first, as well as intentionally assaulting a pregnant person. Richard Guichelaar was arrested on Saturday in connection with the death of his wife, a beloved 32-year-old teacher, who died of strangulation on Nov. 16 at the home she shared with him and. Amber also had some abrasions that were not visible when shed had a FaceTime call with her sister just hours earlier. The victims mother, Amy DeGraaf, spoke at the sentencing and asked the judge to consider the two young children. "There's just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. In April this year, Guichelaar was sentenced and made a brief statement. #mugshots, We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our Website. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. She loved very hard & would never let a day go by without you knowing how much she loved you. When the judge shared his thoughts with Guichelaar, he described Ambers death as brutal and senseless. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The medical examiner found "injuries consistent with an assault which occurred just prior to her death," the affidavit shows, WOOD reports. Wustman, the assistant prosecutor, talked about the valuable information Amber Guichelaars friends and family provided. Know you are worthy and loved by so many., That is our biggest hope, Amy DeGraaf said. According to the detective on the case, Ambers husband was the only person home at the time of her death who was physically capable of causing the injuries that led to her death. Richard Guichelaar was arrested on Saturday in connection with the death of his wife, a beloved 32-year-old teacher, who died of strangulation on Nov. 16 at the home she shared with him and their two children, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by MLive.com and WOOD-TV. The fact that she would go to the extent of writing those (notes) and that she was trying to deal with it all on her own, and shouldering that all on her own shoulders is just such a heartache for her Dad and I, for her brother and sister, for her friends Sadness and just so many unknowns and just the devastation of what domestic violence can lead to, she said. Suspect charged in death of Kentwood teacher, Arrest made in 2020 death of Kentwood Public Schools teacher. A 35-year-old man has been arrested for strangling his pregnant wife at their Michigan home. KENTWOOD, MI -- A Kentwood man has been sentenced to more than 33 years in prison for killing his pregnant wife in a crime a judge said was beyond comprehension, quite frankly.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. You may leave a message for the family by clicking here. on 1/11/2021. He choked back tears as he acknowledged in open court that he. This Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to . A man who strangled his pregnant wife has been sentenced to at least 33 years in prison. I dont know why that happened. During a six-minute hearing, Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and assault of a pregnant individual. A 76-year-old woman accused of fatally shooting her terminally ill husband in a Florida hospital was released from jail, New York City police are continuing their search for a suspect wearing a full-body protective suit who shot and killed a convenience store worker in the citys Upper East Side, Gas prices dipped in New Jersey but edged up around the nation as a whole amid increased demand and stable crude oil prices. When pregnant mother of two Amber Guichelaar was found dead in her Michigan home in November, police were suspicious. First published on April 29, 2022 / 9:36 AM. It was the last time anyone outside of her home saw her alive, according to local station. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. She stated she did not know what the fight was about, possibly Richard not helping with children, but Richard picked up the high-chair and broke it, Dykgraaf wrote. What you did to your wife, your children, to the family of Amber and her friends, is beyond comprehension, quite frankly, he said. Her mom, who FaceTimed with her daughter multiple times a day during quarantine, said she had no idea the violence her daughter was enduring, nor the danger she faced. Official Record was collected He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. / CW50 Detroit. The assistant prosecutor, Wurstman, said its common for domestic violence survivors to hide the abuse. I think its mainly because I love being around people, and I love learning, wrote Amber. Yes. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. At 3:29 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, a seemingly distraught Richard Guichelaar called 911 from the couples home on Andrew Street in Kentwood. Have a news tip? No. The 32-year-old was a committed Christian who had been inspired by the church mission trips she had experienced while growing up. Asked if he was pleading guilty because he is, Guichelaar told the. In an essay published online in 2014, Amber wrote about why she became a teacher. In October 2019, their family dog, an Akita named Shotze, allegedly attacked a neighbors child while they were walking down the street, causing severe facial injuries to the child. Amber explained that Guichelaar controlled every conversation and that he did nothing to help her around the house. He has not yet entered a plea and remains held in jail until his next court date, scheduled for Jan. 21. In a statement released by the school district, officials described her death as a tragic loss for the community. KENTWOOD, Mich. - A Grand Rapids -area teacher pregnant with a third child was strangled by her husband, authorities said Monday as they filed a murder charge. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. 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It was the last time anyone outside of her home saw her alive, according to local station WXMI. The couple had two daughters, aged two and eight months, and Amber was pregnant again. My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do, she wrote. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. The only person at home at the time of the crime who was physically capable of causing the fatal injuries was Guichelaar. See more Show your support Send Flowers Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Guichelaar worked as a teacher at Kentwood Public Schools where she taught English as a second language. Nearly two months after his wife was found dead at home, Richard James Guichelaar of Grand Rapid, Michigan, was arrested. None of the versions added up, according to family and friends. Man breaks down at sentencing hearing for killing his pregnant wife 18,145 views Apr 28, 2022 Richard Guichelaar, who killed his pregnant wife Amber Guichelaar in November 2020, was sentenced. An autopsy would later determine that the mother had injuries consistent with an assault which occurred just prior to her death, according to the affidavit. This was an absolutely atrocious and terrible situation. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. Alex Murdaugh: Inside the Mind of a Killer, Mallory Beachs Family Attorney Speaks to Court TV. Ummm, but he can get so angry. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. That by speaking out and sharing Ambers story, if someone is in a relationship like this, please know it could cost you your life and please, please seek help.. He suggested that Amber had accidentally strangled herself. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. They said they were trying to be patient and trust the legal system, but they thought their son needed to be in prison, Dykgraaf wrote in his report. Police said Amber Guichelaar, 32, a mother of two and a teacher at a Kentwood school, was found dead. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Hell throw things, hell punch things, hell yeah, he just rage, rage.'. Amber Guichelaar went on to document the violence she had endured at the hands of her husband Richard Guichelaar, 39. Theyd met when she was teaching Spanish at a school where Guichelaars dad was the principal. Guichelaar told police hed slept downstairs on the sofa that night as their bedroom was too hot, and he was woken by the sound of their baby crying. Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. She was found dead on her bed under what police have described as suspicious circumstances, according to. A faithful Christian, Amber Guichelaar was three days shy of her 33rd birthday when she died. In February this year, 36-year-old Guichelaar pleaded guilty. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. However, Mugshots.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the content of this website. Two of Amber Guichelaars close friends spoke with Dykgraaf on the phone 11 days after Amber Guichelaars death to share what they learned from a conversation with Richard Guichelaar. Though Amber Guichelaar wrote notes documenting her husbands abuse, its clear those papers were a secret dairy. Richard James Guichelaar entered a guilty plea in the strangling death of his pregnant wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. I need you to take her out of the room and shut the door, OK?. Theres none whatsoever.. The Evergreen State takes the top spot again in the U.S. News Best States ranking on the strength of its tech sector and other industries. Relationships should be free of abuse! . During Thursdays sentencing, Trusock described the circumstances of her death. Exactly who Amber chose for their care. Wustman added that Richard Guichelaar changed details of his story. Richard Guichelaar works for a landscaping and snowplowing business, MLive.com reports. All rights reserved (About Us). "My. She died from asphyxiation, and it was caused by someone else, Wustman told News 8 in a recent interview, noting the medical examiner documented some abrasions Amber Guichelaar did not have when she FaceTimed with her sister earlier that night. Then, at 3.30am on 16 November, Guichelaar called 911. Yes, your honour, Guichelaar admitted. In his report, Detective Tim Dykgraaf wrote of the discovery police made while searching the 32-year-old wife and mothers minivan one day after her death. (She) said they asked (Richard) about what happened before they went to bed (the night Amber died) and she said that Richard told her, I will admit, I was really mad it was taking (Amber) so long to wrap things up,' wrote Dykgraf in his report, noting that he was referring to his wife locking up the house before bed. While she had confessed secretly on paper, Amber was trying to deal with it all alone. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. She was found dead on her bed under what police have described as suspicious circumstances, according to a statement from the Kentwood Police Department. He declined to discuss the allegations against his son to the news outlet but did say that he and his wife were grieving the loss of their daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild. Arrest or booked:An arrest is the act of depriving a person of his or her liberty usually in relation to the purported investigation or prevention of crime and presenting (the arrestee) to a procedure as part of the criminal justice system. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family as they cope with this tragedy.". Some had suffered water damage but it was clear that they were documenting the struggles she was having with her husband. She told no one about the physical assaults she was enduring. Richard James Guichelaar, 35, was arrested Saturday and booked into the jail. That just wasnt what he did, Wustman explained to News 8. My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter, granddaughter. All Rights Reserved. Ga. 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