Her children are her living legacy and they will grow to know how much their angel momma loved them & be raised on the Living Word of Christ, Brittany wrote to Target 8. Target 8 used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain investigative reports compiled by detectives from the Kentwood Police Department. KENTWOOD, Mich. (AP) A man who strangled his pregnant wife, a well-liked teacher in the Grand Rapids area, was sentenced Thursday to at least 33 years in prison. I do, he said. he wants (them) to believe, Dykgraaf wrote. Before taking the position at Kentwood, Amber Guichelaar had worked at South Christian High School teaching Spanish. A lot of people knew that he did have mental illness and that he did take medication for that. The word "booked", when used by mugshots.com, is identical in meaning to the word "arrest". Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. The couple had two daughters, aged two and eight months, and Amber was pregnant again. Cops found notes in which Amber described her fears her husband could kill her, Families terrorised by 'scary' children who dump smashed-up toys and decorations, Naked multi-millionaire and his wife found stabbed to death in mystery killing. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. Please consider donating for the girls future.". The sister of Amber Guichelaar, who had been just three days shy of her 33rd birthday, had reportedly talked to her via Facetime around 8:30 p.m. the night before she died. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. His bond has been set at $2 million and is scheduled to appear again in court on January 21. Guichelaar earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the Nov. 16, 2020 death of 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar at their Kentwood home. 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. 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. Guichelaar worked as a teacher at Kentwood Public Schools where she taught English as a second language. The prosecution said they couldnt determine what had triggered Guichelaar to kill his wife that day but she had been in a violent relationship that had escalated, resulting in her death. So far, well-wishers have donated more than $51,000. Policy | Do Not Sell My Info | Privacy Center | Cookie Policy | Terms Of Use, Posted at 10:49 PM, April 28, 2022 and last updated 10:49 PM, April 28, 2022, Murdaugh Trial: Lingering Unanswered Questions, SC Attorney Says Satterfield Case is Up Next. He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. The assistant prosecutor told Target 8 she doesnt know why the violence turned deadly that night in November, nor whether Richard Guichelaar had planned to kill his wife. Ambers family and friends also said Guichelaars version of events kept changing. Judge Mark Trusock set a maximum release date of 100 years.. Statements given by Richard do not fully explain the circumstances which resulted in Ambers death, a detective wrote in the probable cause affidavit. On the night she died, Richard Guichelaar was the only person at home "capable of causing such injuries," the affidavit says. OK? the dispatcher instructed. 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She could always make you laugh. Richard Guichelaar, 35, was arraigned on a charge of open murder. So people only got to see, I think, little glimpses of the bad things about him and, unfortunately, I dont think they realized how bad it was getting.. She had, I think she, she, she had a, she had a, a, a sweatshirt around her neck, and shes not breathing., When the dispatcher asked if he thought his wife was beyond help, he responded, I do. When the judge asked him whether he knew she was pregnant at the time, he confirmed that he did. Ambers family have spoken out and want her story shared so that other women can escape abusive relationships before its too late. I think its mainly because I love being around people, and I love learning, wrote Amber. Were just broken.. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. All are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. When Ambers sister asked by text what she wanted for her birthday, she replied, a new husband.. 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. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Richard Guichelaars brother told police that as a child, he would threaten to burn the house down, kill his brothers hamster by crushing it, cut his sister with a knife or leave her in a field to freeze to death. She was found dead on her bed under what police have described as suspicious circumstances, according to. She told no one about the physical assaults she was enduring. Ambers birthday was approaching and when her sister texted to ask what she wanted, she replied, A new husband. It was a joke but deep down she meant it. My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. (Amber) was very fun, her mom said. "Mugshot unavailable": A mugshot may or may have not been taken by authorities. Have a news tip? The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Amber Guichelaar went on to document the violence she had endured at the hands of her husband Richard Guichelaar, 39. 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. Mugshot - A photograph of usually a person's head and especially face; specifically : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile." Her father-in-law, George Guichelaar, formerly served as principal of the high school. Brittany explained the medications he takes for mental health issues knocked him out at night. She was found dead on her bed under what police have described as "suspicious" circumstances, according to a statement from the Kentwood Police Department. This was an absolutely atrocious and terrible situation. What he said made him finally wake up and get up was hearing the baby cry and, again, (Ambers) sister said he never got up with the baby. "This has been a difficult time for the Kentwood family, the students, staff, and ultimately the involved families," Kentwood Public Schools said in a statement. During Thursdays sentencing, Trusock described the circumstances of her death. She said he had beaten, kicked, punched and threatened her. Certain materials reproduced on this website are believed to be in the public domain. Richard Guichelaars sister said her first thought upon learning her sister-in-law was dead was, Richard did it, and that he may have flew into a rage and couldnt gain control., He is an angry person, the sister told the detective, according to his report. #mugshots, We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our Website. He has not yet entered a plea and remains held in jail until his next court date, scheduled for Jan. 21. Amber would admit privately to friends that his mood swings resulted in him breaking things. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. 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. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. Im ready to accept responsibility for what I did, he said. The medical examiner found "injuries consistent with an assault which occurred just prior to her death," the affidavit shows, WOOD reports. He was charged with second-degree murder and intentionally assaulting a pregnant woman. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Richard Guichelaar later told Kentwood police he had slept on a downstairs couch that night because the couples bedroom was too hot. Official Record was collected Theres none whatsoever.. Its senseless., George Guichelaar told Target 8, Were all just broken by this. She later moved to the Kentwood Public Schools where she taught students learning English as a second language. 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. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. When paramedics arrived, Amber was pronounced dead three days before her 33rd birthday. Amber Guichelaar described her passion for teaching in a 2014 presentation on the Prezi platform. Do not let your abuser hurt you anymore. Shes right here, he said. (The friend) did not know of any physical violence between Richard and Amber. 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Alex Murdaugh: Murdaugh Family Murders, Murdaugh Trial: Lingering Unanswered Questions WATCH NOW, SC Attorney Says Satterfield Case is Up Next WATCH NOW, What Will Alex Murdaughs New Life Behind Bars Be Like? Guichelaar worked for a landscaping and snow ploughing company, and while outside of the house he couldnt do enough to help. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. He said he had been awakened in the middle of the night by their babys cries. Amber Guichelaar, 32, died Nov. 16 at the home she shared with her husband at 1432 Andrew SE in Kentwood. Her notebook pages documented the struggles she was having with her husband, Richard Guichelaar. The 32-year-old was a committed Christian who had been inspired by the church mission trips she had experienced while growing up. 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. What helped expose Guichelaar was Amber's own. Police said Richard Guichelaar had been the only person home at the time of the alleged crime who would have been physically capable of causing the injuries that led to her death. "There's just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. In February this year, 36-year-old Guichelaar pleaded guilty. My wife isnt breathing, he sobbed, stumbling to get his words out. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his sorrow, remorse and regret for what happened. Tragic Amber Guichelaar's words would help lock up the brute who strangled her. (She) said she had has had hundreds of sleepovers at Ambers house and she said that they would never set the thermostat that night, the report continued. 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. On Thursday, Richard Guichelaar was sentenced to the longest prison term allowed by guidelines a minimum of about 33 years and a maximum 100. Amber was married to Richard Guichelaar. He is dangerous and I have literally thought to myself, am I safe asleep next to him? While several of Amber Guichelaars close friends knew her husband had extreme mood swings and would sometimes break things in fits of anger, they told the detective they never saw him physically assault her. He suggested that Amber had accidentally strangled herself. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The assistant prosecutor, Wurstman, said its common for domestic violence survivors to hide the abuse. 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. The husband of a pregnant Michigan teacher who was strangled to death inside her home in November has beencharged with murderin the grisly attack. She said Amber Guichelaars sister, who has no children of her own yet, has stepped in to the role of mother for the young girls. A police search of Ambers car revealed notebook pages covered in her handwriting. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree . 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. All Rights Reserved. Richard Guichelaar works for a landscaping and snowplowing business, MLive.com reports. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. A GoFundMe account has been set up for Guichelaar's two daughters. News 8 spoke with George Guichelaar on Saturday. In April this year, Guichelaar was sentenced and made a brief statement. Still, despite Richard Guichelaars violent history, it seems no one considered he might kill his wife. You strangled your wife, he said. Ga. Police Officer Arrested After Naked Body of Missing 16-Year-Old Girl Found in Woods, Salt Life Founder Pleads Guilty After Killing 18-Year-Old Girlfriend While They Were 'Playing' with Gun, Suspect in Death of Pregnant Mom Found Next to Car with Son Inside Was Recently Acquitted of Unrelated Murder, N.J. Kindergarten Teacher Who Mysteriously Didn't Come to Work Is Found Dead in Shallow Grave the Next Day, 2 Students from Same Atlanta High School Found Dead, Police Say Cases Are Unrelated, Texas Man Accused of Stabbing His 8-Year-Old Grandson to Death, Adam Zimmer's Cause of Death Confirmed Almost 2 Months After He Was Found Dead: Reports, Arkansas Boy, 6, Found Dead Under Floorboards Allegedly Drowned in Toilet by Mother's Boyfriend, Husband of Missing Pa. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. In addition, "Statements given by Richard do not fully explain the circumstances which resulted in Amber's death," the detective assigned to the cause wrote in the document, MLive.com reports. While I was in Guatemala, I was really frustrated that I was unable to fully communicate with the people as to why I had gone on this trip. . 2022 Associated Press. 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. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. KENTWOOD, MI - A man accused of strangling his pregnant wife, a Kentwood teacher, was ordered held Monday, Jan. 11, on $2 million bond. She had a wonderful sense of humor. After completing an autopsy, the medical examiner ruled Ambers death a homicide by strangulation/asphyxiation, according to court documents. 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. However, at home he frustrated Amber with how little he helped her out with the family. The neighbors sued the Guichelaar family and were granted a $501,000 settlement in February of 2020. 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. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. Trusock added that he though Guichelaar was a danger to society and that he didnt think he should ever be set free. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! When the judge shared his thoughts with Guichelaar, he described Ambers death as brutal and senseless. However, Mugshots.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the content of this website. My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things, Guichelaar said. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here. At the time of her death, Amber Guichelaar was teaching English as a second language to middle schoolers in the Kentwood Public School District. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. Whether it was teaching pupils at the local school or raising her own children, Amber Guichelaar was devoted to shaping young lives. My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do, she wrote. My wife isnt breathing, he told a dispatcher, stumbling over his words amid panicked sobs. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. redistributed by Mugshots.com and is protected by Richard James Guichelaar, 35, was arrested Saturday and booked into the jail. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. During a six-minute hearing, Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and assault of a pregnant individual. The pathologist declined to discuss details of the case and referred News 8 to law enforcement for further comment. I am sorry, George, DeGraaf said tearfully. But Rachel Wustman, the assistant prosecutor on the case for Kent County, told News 8 the autopsy revealed Amber Guichelaar could not have caused her own strangulation. Yes, your honour, Guichelaar admitted. This was an absolutely atrocious and terrible situation. The sister of Amber Guichelaar, who had been just three days shy of her 33, birthday, had reportedly talked to her via Facetime around 8:30 p.m. the night before she died. 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. In trauma situations, the district and building leadership continue to provide ongoing support to students and staff as they grieve this loss. 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. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. This has been a difficult time for the Kentwood family, the students, staff, and ultimately the involved families, the statement said. "You killed her intentionally, Kent County Judge Mark Trusock said. The only person at home at the time of the crime who was physically capable of causing the fatal injuries was Guichelaar. Richard Guichelaar, 35, of Kentwood is charged with open. 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. However, they appeared to be notes that Amber had written about Richard, one of which said, He isnt someone I want around my children. She could turn a negative situation into something fun and something happy, and that joy was contagious.. After discovering that language could be a barrier for some underprivileged families, she became a teacher and in 2020 she was teaching English as a second language in a middle school near her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The couples children were ages 2 and 3. Later in the six-minute 911 call, the emergency dispatcher asked if there were any children in the home. It also confirmed she was pregnant at the time of her death, which occurred three days before her 33rd birthday. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. The dispatcher asked if he thought that Amber was beyond being saved. KENTWOOD, Mich. (AP) A man who strangled his pregnant wife, a well-liked teacher in the Grand Rapids area, was sentenced Thursday to at least 33 years in prison. However, the department did not release any information about the suspect. She was just so loving and caring and a fixer, and she always wanted him to be better and covered for him. The term is Anglo-Norman in origin and is related to the French word arrt, meaning "stop". Something went wrong, please try again later. Exactly who Amber chose for their care. 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. On Monday, Richard Guichelaar was arraigned in court on an open murder charge. 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. 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. The pills also reportedly made him angry, so he took them right before bed, and, if the girls awakened in the night, Amber Guichelaar made sure she jumped up to care for them. 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 children were her everything.. It was the last time anyone outside of her home saw her alive, according to local station. The imbalance of duties sometimes prompted fights, according to one of the close friends. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. DeGraaf said her daughter put God first and her family second, especially her beloved daughters, who were ages 2 and a half and 8 months when their mom was stolen from them. But again, it seemed like Amber tried to get people to at least believe that the medication was working, that things were going well What happens behind closed doors, people dont necessarily see, Wustman said. Richard said, I was waiting, waiting, waiting and waiting. 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. Would he ever kill me?. Yeah he has a whole other side to him and umm, for a few years there, we thought it was really good he was on good medication, and it was almost as if we could breathe a sigh of relief like maybe weve made it through the worst of it. KENTWOOD, Mich. A Kentwood man accused of killing a pregnant teacher has admitted guilt. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. BELIEVE TO BE A FAIR PROCESS FOR ALL. RICHARD JAMES GUICHELAAR. (She) did her best to live and love like Jesus.. Scripps Suspect charged in death of Kentwood teacher, Arrest made in 2020 death of Kentwood Public Schools teacher. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) When Richard Guichelaar strangled the life from his wifes body, he thought he had silenced her voice forever. A man who strangled his pregnant wife has been sentenced to at least 33 years in prison. 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. My daughters right next to us. He choked back tears as he acknowledged in open court that he intentionally strangled his wife and knew she was pregnant at the time. What you did to your wife, your children, to the family of Amber and her friends, is beyond comprehension, quite frankly, he said. For some reason, she chose to stay in a situation that obviously cost her her life, and that is the mystery of Ambers story and the unknown of Ambers story but also of domestic violence and domestic abuse in itself. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now. All information published by mugshots.com is believed to be factually true and correct, and is not intended to malign, disparage, or defame any person named herein. In a letter to News 8, Amber Guichelaars sister, Brittany said, she was truly one of the greatest humans I have ever encountered.