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. (She) did her best to live and love like Jesus.. Wustman added that Richard Guichelaar changed details of his story. A 35-year-old man has been arrested for strangling his pregnant wife at their Michigan home. Its senseless., George Guichelaar told Target 8, Were all just broken by this. Finally, I didnt understand what was going on, so I got up to check on (their daughter) and uh, I saw Amber.'. . I felt as if it were what God was calling me to do. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The sentencing guidelines for these charges range from more than 20 years to more than 33 years behind bars. 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. Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Killing Wife - US News Reaching out and letting someone know may free you of the loneliness, shame, isolation, fear that you feel due to the abuse of your abuser, Brittany wrote. Data provided to our visitors is estimated and may not be accurate. I think the hard part is, Amber did a really good job of covering for him, Wustman said. A lot of people knew that he did have mental illness and that he did take medication for that. 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. Pregnant Mom of 2, Who Was Beloved Schoolteacher, Is Allegedly Guichelaar has pleaded guilty plea for second-degree murder and one count of assault on a pregnant woman causing miscarriage with intent or recklessness. Richard Guichelaar Charged With Murder Of Amber Guichelaar | Crime News When we talked to detectives, they said, You know, weve never had this situation before where everyone around these two is saying, He did it, recalled Wustman. My daughters right next to us. He was crying and sounded distressed. The 35-year-old father, who was arrested Saturday, is accused of killing his 32-year-old wife, Amber Guichelaar, who was pregnant with their third child. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. This was an absolutely atrocious and terrible situation. The dispatcher then asked if there were children in the house. Ambers family have spoken out and want her story shared so that other women can escape abusive relationships before its too late. Kentwood man pleads to killing pregnant wife | WOODTV.com Yes. The death certificate listed the location of Amber Guichelaars death as the couples home address on Andrews. "You killed her intentionally," Kent County Judge Mark Trusock said. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family as they cope with this tragedy.. Her sister told the detective that she knew the couple had a physical fight several years earlier but thought things had gotten better. Judge Mark Trusock set a maximum release date of 100 years.. Guichelaar didnt help with the kids or the chores. Guichelaar worked for a landscaping and snow ploughing company, and while outside of the house he couldnt do enough to help. 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.. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. I am sorry, George, DeGraaf said tearfully. Outside the courtroom the day of the plea, there was an incredible show of grace as Amy DeGraaf hugged Richard Guichelaars father, George Guichelaar. What you did to your wife, your children, to the family of Amber and her friends, is beyond comprehension, quite frankly, he said. Two days later, Amber Guichelaar was dead and police had a prime suspect in her husband. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. Richard Guichelaar, 35, of Kentwood is charged with open. Official Record was collected Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. (Daniel Shular/The Grand Rapids Press via AP), Woman Accused of Killing Ill Husband Released From Jail, NYC Police Seek Suspect in Hazmat Suit After Shooting Death, Gas Prices Dip in NJ, Edge up Around Nation at Large. Ambers mum, Amy DeGraaf, said Ambers sister had taken her two young children in and was raising them. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. Statements given by Richard do not fully explain the circumstances which resulted in Ambers death, a detective wrote in the probable cause affidavit. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved (About Us). And that was intentional, is that correct? the judge said. 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. . A GoFundMe account has been set up for Guichelaar's two daughters. (The friend) did not know of any physical violence between Richard and Amber. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to . 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. Bond was set at $2 million. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "I felt as if it were what God was calling me to do. The mere questions and/or reports presented on this website about a possible arrest of a person are not an implication of an actual arrest. His bond has been set at $2 million and is scheduled to appear again in court on January 21. On the night she died, Richard Guichelaar was the only person at home "capable of causing such injuries," the affidavit says. In an essay published online in 2014, Amber wrote about why she became a teacher. Richard Guichelaar later told Kentwood police he had slept on a downstairs couch that night because the couples bedroom was too hot. He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. Suspect charged in death of Kentwood teacher, Arrest made in 2020 death of Kentwood Public Schools teacher. He has not yet entered a plea and remains held in jail until his next court date, scheduled for Jan. 21. Amber definitely was a child of God, said her mom, Amy DeGraaf, in a recent interview with Target 8. "We rejoice for Amber is with her heavenly father but her two girls are still here," organizer Carley Veltema wrote. 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 was also on medication for mental health issues hed developed after suffering concussions that made him prone to angry outbursts. My daughters right next to us. Ambers sister, who had stayed with the couple, revealed that Guichelaar usually slept downstairs when they argued and wouldnt have woken to the sound of his baby crying due to medication he was taking. All Rights Reserved. on 1/11/2021. He choked back tears as he acknowledged in open court that he intentionally strangled his wife and knew she was pregnant at the time. 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. No. All rights reserved. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. I need you to take her out of the room and shut the door, OK?. I dont know why that happened. He is dangerous I have literally thought to myself, am I safeasleep next to him? She was just so loving and caring and a fixer, and she always wanted him to be better and covered for him. Ambers family and friends also said Guichelaars version of events kept changing. A faithful Christian, Amber Guichelaar was three days shy of her 33rd birthday when she died. Amber Guichelaar was the mother of two young children and taught for Kentwood Public Schools. 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. Last updated on 1/11/2021, All original material at this website is subject to copyright. Richard James Guichelaar, 35, was arrested Saturday and booked into the jail. (Daniel Shular/The Grand Rapids Press via AP) The Associated Press. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Richard Guichelaar Subscribe to this topic via RSS or ATOM Topic - Richard Guichelaar Man charged with strangling pregnant wife who was teacher Associated Press Advertisement Most Popular FBI. Amber Guichelaar described her passion for teaching in a 2014 presentation on the Prezi platform. The pathologist declined to discuss details of the case and referred News 8 to law enforcement for further comment. Mom Allegedly Strangled and Dismembered Her, Searched 'How to Get Away with Murder', Teen Who Vanished While Working on Science Project Found Dead in Remote Calif. Woods: 'Devastating News', Beloved Va. Church Elder, 88, Is Mauled to Death by Dog While Walking to Sister's House, Woman Accused of Kidnapping Ashley Bush Allegedly Wanted to Keep the Woman's Unborn Baby as Her Own. He suggested that Amber had accidentally strangled herself. He was charged with second-degree murder and intentionally assaulting a pregnant woman. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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 home on Nov. 16, police said. 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. He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do, she wrote. Later in the six-minute 911 call, the emergency dispatcher asked if there were any children in the home. None of the versions added up, according to family and friends. 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. 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. The mugshots and/or arrest records published on mugshots.com are in no way an indication of guilt and they are not evidence that an actual crime has been committed. KENTWOOD, MI - A man accused of strangling his pregnant wife, a Kentwood teacher, was ordered held Monday, Jan. 11, on $2 million bond. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless 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.. Probably because of the kind of person she was. Kentwood man admits guilt in pregnant wife's killing - WZZM13 "Did you strangle your wife and kill her?". He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his sorrow, remorse and regret for what happened. [email protected], visit ourFacebook pageorTwitter. 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. Have a news tip? Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. 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. (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. 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. Whether it was teaching pupils at the local school or raising her own children, Amber Guichelaar was devoted to shaping young lives. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. She loved very hard & would never let a day go by without you knowing how much she loved you. Including but not limited to; a traffic stop, citation issuance or initial investigation of alleged crime scene. Do you know of a related media coverage to this person and/or 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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. Target 8 used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain investigative reports compiled by detectives from the Kentwood Police Department. "There's just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. Man charged in pregnant wife's slaying held on $2 million bond This has been a difficult time for the Kentwood family, the students, staff, and ultimately the involved families, the statement said. Shes right here, he said. Guichelaar worked as a teacher at Kentwood Public Schools where she taught English as a second language. Richard Guichelaar was arrested and booked into . 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. Exactly who Amber chose for their care. Company. Grand Rapids-area man charged with murder after strangling - WJBK 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. redistributed by Mugshots.com and is protected by Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now. He was credited with serving 475 days in jail. 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. She died three days before her 33rd birthday. WATCH NOW, Alex Murdaugh: Inside the Mind of a Killer WATCH NOW, Mallory Beachs Family Attorney Speaks to Court TV WATCH NOW, Vermont bishop testifies against clergy reporting bill, Judge suffered the unthinkable just before overseeing Murdaugh case, Judgment of Dr. Jack Kevorkian Court TV Podcast (Episode 176), FL v. Michael Keetley: Ice Cream Man Murder Retrial, Murdaughs fall from grace ends in life sentence for murder, DeSantis takes aim at prosecutor after TV crew attack, Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murdering wife, son, Alex Murdaugh convicted of murder in shootings of wife, son, 2023 Court TV Media LLC, part of The E.W. 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. "You killed her intentionally, Kent County Judge Mark Trusock said. Man breaks down at sentencing hearing for killing his - YouTube Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. When the judge shared his thoughts with Guichelaar, he described Ambers death as brutal and senseless. Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Killing Wife, Richard Guichelaar stands with his attorney Chip Chamberlain while looking at Judge Mark Trusock during Guichelaar's sentencing hearing at the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Thursday, April 28, 2022. 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. Richard James Guichelaar entered a guilty plea in the strangling death of his pregnant wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar. 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. Amber Guichelaars sister, Brittany, lived with the couple at their home on Andrew Street in Kentwood, though she was gone the night Amber died. On the night his wife died, Richard Guichelaar called 911 at about 3:30 a.m. to report that he had found her dead in their bed, according to the probable cause affidavit obtained by MLive.com and WOOD. Im ready to accept responsibility for what I did, he said. 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. Owned and Operated by: Julkisuudessa, Nevis, West Indies. - Merriam Webster dictionary. It was typical of the young mum. 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. Yes, your honour, Guichelaar admitted. Domestic violence help: Murder victim's words expose husband Amber Guichelaar, 32, died Nov. 16 at the home she shared with her husband at 1432 Andrew SE in Kentwood. Nearly two months after his wife was found dead at home, Richard James Guichelaar of Grand Rapid, Michigan, was arrested. He said Guichelaar was a danger to society and should never be free, then sentenced him to life in jail with a minimum 33 years and a maximum 100. Husband is arrested 'for strangling to death his pregnant wife' 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 Guichelaar has pleaded guilty plea for second-degree murder and one count of assault on a pregnant woman causing miscarriage with intent or recklessness. While she had confessed secretly on paper, Amber was trying to deal with it all alone. 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. That just wasnt what he did, Wustman explained to News 8. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. His attorney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. What Will Alex Murdaughs New Life Behind Bars Be Like? 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. Kentwood, Mich. 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. So far, well-wishers have donated more than $51,000. News 8 spoke with George Guichelaar on Saturday. Theyd met when she was teaching Spanish at a school where Guichelaars dad was the principal. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. All are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Police: Man dies in fight at Wyoming hotel parking, Mexican AG sacked in wake of bloody prison break, Kent Co. Community Action walks to keep homes heated, 1 hospitalized following Port Sheldon Township crash, I see you, Jaylyn Boones journey to success, Bill Steffen T-shirts launched by The Mitten State. Related: Man charged in pregnant wifes slaying held on $2 million bond. 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. Husband Arrested Months After Allegedly Strangling 'Beloved - CafeMom 28K views 9 months ago #domesticviolence Richard Guichelaar of Michigan recently was sentenced to 33 years in prison for his wife Amber's murder. Everyone was certain he had killed her and were relieved when he was arrested in January 2021. Richard James Guichelaar entered a guilty plea in the strangling death of his pregnant wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar.