He has not yet entered a plea and remains held in jail until his next court date, scheduled for Jan. 21. Richard Guichelaar claimed he thought his wife had accidentally strangled herself. Court documents obtained by WXMI revealed that just over a year before she was killed, the Guichelaars had encountered significant legal trouble. I felt as if it were what God was calling me to do. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. Amber Guichelaar was the mother of two young children and was pregnant with the couples third child when she died,MLive reports. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. All rights reserved. Please consider donating for the girls future.". Michigan motherof two Amber Guichelaar, who was pregnant with her third child, was found dead on her bed on November 16. What Will Alex Murdaughs New Life Behind Bars Be Like? (She) did her best to live and love like Jesus.. A release said the suspect is expected to be arraigned on Monday. It was the last time anyone outside of her home saw her alive, according to local station WXMI. Amber Guichelaar was the mother of two young children and was pregnant with the couples third child when she died. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled Amber Guichelaar's death a homicide by strangulation/asphyxiation, according to the affidavit. Richard Guichelaar, 36, was sentenced Thursday, April 28 in Kent County Circuit Court to a minimum 33 years, four months in prison. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Police said Amber Guichelaar, 32, a mother of two and a teacher at a Kentwood school, was found dead. 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. Michigan Man Held For Strangling Pregnant Wife A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and convicted. She could always make you laugh. 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. Man charged in pregnant wife's slaying held on $2 million bond 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. Owned and Operated by: Julkisuudessa, Nevis, West Indies. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. What you did to your wife, your children, to the family of Amber and her friends, is beyond comprehension, quite frankly, he said. 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. It was a shocking record of the abuse shed suffered and it was heartbreaking to know that she had kept it all to herself. But her words, even after death, gave the investigators a unique insight into their marriage and pointed the finger straight at Guichelaar. Judge Mark Trusock set a maximum release date of 100 years. He was credited with serving 475 days in jail. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. The neighbors sued the Guichelaar family and were granted a $501,000 settlement in February of 2020. A faithful Christian, Amber Guichelaar was three days shy of her 33rd birthday when she died. Suspect charged in death of Kentwood teacher, Arrest made in 2020 death of Kentwood Public Schools teacher. Richard Guichelaar, 35, was . 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her home on Nov. 16, police said. Amber Guichelaar met Richard Guichelaar when she taught Spanish at South Christian High School, where his father was principal. 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. Richard Guichelaar Charged With Murder Of Amber Guichelaar | Crime News On Thursday, Richard Guichelaar was sentenced to the longest prison term allowed by guidelines a minimum of about 33 years and a maximum 100. 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Plus, he never got up for the children he always left it to Amber. Theyd met when she was teaching Spanish at a school where Guichelaars dad was the principal. (The friend) did not know of any physical violence between Richard and Amber. / CW50 Detroit. That just wasnt what he did, Wustman explained to News 8. Theres none whatsoever.. Yes. An autopsy revealed that she had died from asphyxiation and the medical examiner determined she couldnt have done it herself. She later moved to the Kentwood Public Schools where she taught students learning English as a second language. The victims mother, Amy DeGraaf, spoke at the sentencing and asked the judge to consider the two young children. Guichelaar has pleaded guilty plea for second-degree murder and. 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. 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. Anyone in an abusive relationship who needs help can call or text Safe Haven Ministries anytime at 616.452.6664. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. She had a wonderful sense of humor. I think it's mainly because I love being around people, and I love learning.". Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. In April this year, Guichelaar was sentenced and made a brief statement. Hell throw things, hell punch things, hell yeah, he just rage, rage.'. However, the department did not release any information about the suspect. 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. (The friend) stated the most recent fight she could think of was during the initial COVID 19 outbreak when everything was locked down and everyone was quarantined in the house together. Scripps "hit" or "view": An internal web visit measurement unit. 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. As her husband awaits his next court date, Amber Guichelaar's family, friends and colleagues are mourning the loss of the middle school teacher. 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. Two days later, Amber Guichelaar was dead and police had a prime suspect in her husband. 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. It was the last time anyone outside of her home saw her alive, according to local station. 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 then asked if there were children in the house. The word "arrest" on Mugshots.com means the apprehension of a person or the deprivation of a person's liberty. "My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do," she wrote. None of the versions added up, according to family and friends. She was one of a kind, honestly. She told no one about the physical assaults she was enduring. 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. My wife isnt breathing, he sobbed, stumbling to get his words out. 'Beyond comprehension,' judge says in sentencing Kentwood - Mlive It also confirmed she was pregnant at the time of her death, which occurred three days before her 33rd birthday. (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. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family as they cope with this tragedy.. It was a passion likely sparked when she first traveled to Guatemala on a church mission trip as a high schooler. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. While she had confessed secretly on paper, Amber was trying to deal with it all alone. Richard Guichelaar - Bio, News, Photos - Washington Times This was an absolutely atrocious and terrible situation. He was charged with second-degree murder and intentionally assaulting a pregnant woman. Her cause of death was listed as pending on the death certificate as recently as this past week. Yes, your honour, Guichelaar admitted. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The district said it had been cooperating with law enforcement officials as part of the investigation. "Amber's sister Brittany will be taking care of the girls and their future! The husband of a pregnant Michigan teacher who was strangled to death inside her home in November has beencharged with murderin the grisly attack. Best search engine for True crime stories | Mugshots.com Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? The couple had two children, the 8-month-old and a toddler, and Amber Guichelaar was newly pregnant with their third child. "My. My daughters right next to us. All Rights Reserved. Yes, your honour, he replied. 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. Murdaugh and Prosecutor Creighton Waters Went to Law School Together, Prosecutions Best Evidence in Alex Murdaugh Trial, SC v. 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? Relationships should be free of abuse! Shes right here, he said. Richard Guichelaar, 35, of Kentwood is charged with open. She said he had beaten, kicked, punched and threatened her. Statements given by Richard do not fully explain the circumstances which resulted in Ambers death, a detective wrote in the probable cause affidavit. Pregnant woman's secret notes chillingly foretold her abusive husband Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! When paramedics arrived, Amber was pronounced dead three days before her 33rd birthday. I do, he said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. When the judge shared his thoughts with Guichelaar, he described Ambers death as brutal and senseless. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! She was found dead on her bed under what police have described as suspicious circumstances, according to a statement from the Kentwood Police Department. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. 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. When the judge asked him whether he knew she was pregnant at the time, he confirmed that he did. 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. These companies may use information (not including your name, address email address or telephone number) about your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. But Kentwood Police detectives believed that the death looked suspicious, authorities said. During Thursdays sentencing, Trusock described the circumstances of her death. Though Amber Guichelaar wrote notes documenting her husbands abuse, its clear those papers were a secret dairy. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Richard said he laid on the couch because he was waiting for Amber to get up and give (their daughter) her pacifier, Detective Dykgraaf wrote. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to . He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. Police records reveal it was Amber Guichelaars own words that helped expose her husbands murderous rage. The pathologist declined to discuss details of the case and referred News 8 to law enforcement for further comment. Sign up forPEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Husband gets 33 years in prison for wife's murder - YouTube Grand Rapids-area man charged with murder after strangling - WJBK What helped expose Guichelaar was Amber's own. 2022 Associated Press. Before taking the position at Kentwood, Amber Guichelaar had worked at South Christian High School teaching Spanish. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. Richard Guichelaar, 35, charged with open murder for strangulation death of his pregnant wife, Amber Guichelaar, 32, in November 2020. Her cause of death was determined by the medical examiner as the result of strangulation/asphyxiation.. A graduate of Calvin College, Amber Guichelaar began her career teaching Spanish at South Christian High School for four years, she wrote in an essay on Prezi in 2014. While he declined to comment on the arrest of his son, George said he and his wife are grieving the loss of their daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild. Her father-in-law, George Guichelaar, formerly served as principal of the high school. Richard James Guichelaar entered a guilty plea in the strangling death of his pregnant wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar. 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. Guichelaar worked as a teacher at Kentwood Public Schools where she taught English as a second language. A GoFundMe account has been set up for Guichelaar's two daughters. The DeGraafs are determined to honor Amber, and God, by helping others. 28K views 9 months ago #domesticviolence Richard Guichelaar of Michigan recently was sentenced to 33 years in prison for his wife Amber's murder. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) When Richard Guichelaar strangled the life from his wifes body, he thought he had silenced her voice forever. redistributed by Mugshots.com and is protected by He was charged with second-degree murder and intentionally assaulting a pregnant woman. This was an absolutely atrocious and terrible situation. Last updated on 1/11/2021, All original material at this website is subject to copyright. Through her mission work and being in Guatemala, I think there was some frustration with the language barrier, explained DeGraaf, who believes her daughter pursued her degree in Spanish so she could bridge that gap. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. When Ambers sister asked by text what she wanted for her birthday, she replied, a new husband.. Published mugshots and/or arrest records are previously published public records of: an arrest, an indictment, a registration, supervision or probation, the deprivation of liberty or a detention. They are urging anyone who is suffering in silence to reach out and get help. 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. Guichelaar earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the Nov. 16, 2020 death of 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar at their Kentwood home. In an essay published online in 2014, Amber wrote about why she became a teacher. Her children were her everything.. 13 On Your Side Forecast: Snowfall Moves Out, Nicer Weekend Ahead! 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. (His sister) also added he is able to spin things and be a master storyteller and to get people to believe what . "There's just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. Amber Guichelaars sister, Brittany, lived with the couple at their home on Andrew Street in Kentwood, though she was gone the night Amber died. Subscribe to ourYouTube channel. Snow winds down in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Olympic curlers are partners, friends, siblings, Red Wings trade Bertuzzi to Bruins for 2 draft picks, Former Alma wrestling coach named Albion AD, Izzo announces MSU & Minnesota game wont be played, Get some help with houseplants this weekend, Noodle Fest closing out World of Winter celebration, Planning for those big life moments with Bankers, Everything for your home & garden under one roof, Learn about how to maximize energy savings for your, Byron Center student stands out for musical talent, City High Senior recognized for academic awards, Disability Advocates of Kent Co. push for accessibility, 9 to 5 musical coming to Aquinas this weekend. Amber Guichelaar described her passion for teaching in a 2014 presentation on the Prezi platform. 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. Richard James Guichelaar, 35, was arrested Saturday and booked into the jail. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The only person at home at the time of the crime who was physically capable of causing the fatal injuries was Guichelaar. OK? the dispatcher instructed. on 1/11/2021. The assistant prosecutor, Wurstman, said its common for domestic violence survivors to hide the abuse. Richard Guichelaar, 35, was arraigned on the charge in Kentwood District Court. Company. He isnt someone I want around my children, shed written. The medical examiner found "injuries consistent with an assault which occurred just prior to her death," the affidavit shows, WOOD reports. The couple fought over the issue in text exchanges one week before the murder. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. Because when tragic Ambers words were finally heard, it was too late for her. 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. Tragic Amber Guichelaar's words would help lock up the brute who strangled her. Did you strangle your wife and kill her? the judge asked him. Pregnant Mom of 2 Allegedly Strangled to Death by Husband - People But Friday, News 8 confirmed that an open murder arrest warrant had been issued for Richard Guichelaar through Kentwood District Court. Know you are worthy and loved by so many., That is our biggest hope, Amy DeGraaf said. Related: Man charged in pregnant wifes slaying held on $2 million bond. 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. He admitted that the night Amber died, hed been angry with her for taking so long to lock up the house before bed. Judge Mark Trusock set a maximum release date of 100 years.. The 32-year-old was a committed Christian who had been inspired by the church mission trips she had experienced while growing up. "Did you strangle your wife and kill her?". 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.. Now, nearly two months later, police in Kentwood have arrested her husband, Richard James Guichelaar, 35, of Kentwood, Deputy Chief Bryan Litwin of the Kentwood Police Department announced Saturday in a release. "You killed her intentionally, Kent County Judge Mark Trusock said. When pregnant mother of two Amber Guichelaar was found dead in her Michigan home in November, police were suspicious. My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things, Guichelaar said. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. She was just so loving and caring and a fixer, and she always wanted him to be better and covered for him. Exactly who Amber chose for their care. "In trauma situations, the district and building leadership continue to provide ongoing support to students and staff as they grieve this loss. (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. 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. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories. The following Official Record of RICHARD JAMES GUICHELAAR is being We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. (Amber) was very fun, her mom said. Later in the six-minute 911 call, the emergency dispatcher asked if there were any children in the home. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family as they cope with this tragedy.". Ask Ellen: Why does the sun look bigger on the horizon? A lot of people knew that he did have mental illness and that he did take medication for that.