She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. "We rejoice for Amber is with her heavenly father but her two girls are still here," organizer Carley Veltema wrote. On Monday, Richard Guichelaar was arraigned in court on an open murder charge. "You killed her intentionally," Kent County Judge Mark Trusock said. "Did you strangle your wife and kill her?". Her father-in-law, George Guichelaar, formerly served as principal of the high school. Amber would admit privately to friends that his mood swings resulted in him breaking things. Shes right here, Richard Guichelaar said. "My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do," she wrote. 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. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled Amber Guichelaar's death a homicide by strangulation/asphyxiation, according to the affidavit. Brittany explained the medications he takes for mental health issues knocked him out at night. Suspect charged in death of Kentwood teacher, Arrest made in 2020 death of Kentwood Public Schools teacher. "There's just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. 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. 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. A lot of people knew that he did have mental illness and that he did take medication for that. "Mugshot unavailable": A mugshot may or may have not been taken by authorities. The district said it had been cooperating with law enforcement officials as part of the investigation. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his sorrow, remorse and regret for what happened. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. Her cause of death was determined by the medical examiner as the result of strangulation/asphyxiation.. Richard Guichelaar, 35, of Kentwood is charged with open. After completing an autopsy, the medical examiner ruled Ambers death a homicide by strangulation/asphyxiation, according to court documents. 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. What Will Alex Murdaughs New Life Behind Bars Be Like? I think the hard part is, Amber did a really good job of covering for him, Wustman said. I need you to take her out of the room. Judge Mark Trusock set a maximum release date of 100 years.. His parents said their son developed mental health issues as a young teen after suffering several concussions. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree . Im ready to accept responsibility for what I did, 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. Amber talked about the violence shed suffered and even listed Guichelaars angry outbursts. On the night she died, Richard Guichelaar was the only person at home "capable of causing such injuries," the affidavit says. 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. Before taking the position at Kentwood, Amber Guichelaar had worked at South Christian High School teaching Spanish, WOOD-TV reported. "I felt as if it were what God was calling me to do. Ummm, but he can get so angry. She was found dead on her bed under what police have described as suspicious circumstances, according to. It also confirmed she was pregnant at the time of her death, which occurred three days before her 33rd birthday. She loved very hard & would never let a day go by without you knowing how much she loved you. 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. Know you are worthy and loved by so many., That is our biggest hope, Amy DeGraaf said. / CW50 Detroit. Hed also thrown a mug at the TV, smashed her mobiles, broken doors and slammed his fist into the wall. Nearly two months after his wife was found dead at home, Richard James Guichelaar of Grand Rapid, Michigan, was arrested. He is dangerous I have literally thought to myself, am I safeasleep next to him? 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. Mugshots.com makes every effort to insure the accuracy of information posted on this website. The couple had two daughters, aged two and eight months, and Amber was pregnant again. The dispatcher asked if he thought that Amber was beyond being saved. 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. 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. I felt as if it were what God was calling me to do. Richard Guichelaar, 36, was sentenced Thursday, April 28 in Kent County Circuit Court to a minimum 33 years, four months in prison. 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. 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. The girls are being well cared for at this time but we know there is a lot ahead. 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. Emailnews@13onyourside.com, visit ourFacebook pageorTwitter. All Rights Reserved. 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. Court documents obtained by WXMI revealed that just over a year before she was killed, the Guichelaars had encountered significant legal trouble. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. The following Official Record of RICHARD JAMES GUICHELAAR is being You killed her intentionally, Kent County Judge Mark Trusock said. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. (Amber) was very fun, her mom said. When Ambers sister asked by text what she wanted for her birthday, she replied, a new husband.. 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. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. OK? the dispatcher instructed. 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). 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. Richard James Guichelaar, 35, was arrested Saturday and booked into the jail. 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. 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. As her husband awaits his next court date, Amber Guichelaar's family, friends and colleagues are mourning the loss of the middle school teacher. Amber Guichelaar met Richard Guichelaar when she taught Spanish at South Christian High School, where his father was principal. 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. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. 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. So far, well-wishers have donated more than $51,000. His bond has been set at $2 million and is scheduled to appear again in court on January 21. 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. There's none whatsoever.". KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) When Richard Guichelaar strangled the life from his wifes body, he thought he had silenced her voice forever. Her patience and sense of fun made her hugely popular with the students. Richard James Guichelaar, 35, was arrested Saturday and booked into the jail. Yes, your honour, he replied. Sign up forPEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Trusock added that he though Guichelaar was a danger to society and that he didnt think he should ever be set free. Finally, I didnt understand what was going on, so I got up to check on (their daughter) and uh, I saw Amber.'. Richard James Guichelaar entered a guilty plea in the strangling death of his pregnant wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Richard Guichelaar, 35, was arraigned on a charge of open murder. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The dispatcher then asked if there were children in the house. 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. Amber Guichelaar, 32, died Nov. 16 at the home she shared with her husband at 1432 Andrew SE in Kentwood. Bond was set at $2 million. I dont know why that happened. 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. unconstitutional mugshot laws, exonerations, arrest records, FBI most wanted, editorials, opinion. Police records reveal it was Amber Guichelaars own words that helped expose her husbands murderous rage. A faithful Christian, Amber Guichelaar was three days shy of her 33rd birthday when she died. Amber Guichelaar described her passion for teaching in a. The documents stating the medical examiner found injuries consistent with an assault which accused just prior to her death.. KENTWOOD, MI - A man accused of strangling his pregnant wife, a Kentwood teacher, was ordered held Monday, Jan. 11, on $2 million bond. When paramedics arrived, Amber was pronounced dead three days before her 33rd birthday. Wustman, the assistant prosecutor, talked about the valuable information Amber Guichelaars friends and family provided. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. "My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things," Guichelaar said. 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. The judge has indicated the sentence will fall within the guidelines. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Two days later, Amber Guichelaar was dead and police had a prime suspect in her husband. Richard Guichelaar works for a landscaping and snowplowing business, MLive.com reports. Outside the courtroom the day of the plea, there was an incredible show of grace as Amy DeGraaf hugged Richard Guichelaars father, George Guichelaar. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. (She) stated that when she would hear about these fights it would be after the fact when Amber would mention it during conversation by saying things along the lines of Richard is doing better because he broke his Xbox, Dykgraaf reported. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Hell throw things, hell punch things, hell yeah, he just rage, rage.'. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. Richard Guichelaar later told Kentwood police he had slept on a downstairs couch that night because the couples bedroom was too hot. Data provided to our visitors is estimated and may not be accurate. 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. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. Related: Man charged in pregnant wifes slaying held on $2 million bond. (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. 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. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. Her cause of death was listed as pending on the death certificate as recently as this past week. While their baby was in a cot in the bedroom, the dispatcher told Guichelaar to take the toddler out of the room. RICHARD JAMES GUICHELAAR. 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. My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things, Guichelaar said. 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. Amber Guichelaar went on to document the violence she had endured at the hands of her husband Richard Guichelaar, 39. Both parents told Dykgraaf they were scared because Richard Guichelaar was staying with them while police investigated. Opinions expressed in comments across this website are solely those of our visitors. Her notebook pages documented the struggles she was having with her husband, Richard Guichelaar. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. . The appearance of the likeness and/or name of any person on mugshots.com is not an allegation by mugshots.com that the person has in fact engaged in any of the activities or crimes for which they have been charged. The husband of a pregnant Michigan teacher who was strangled to death inside her home in November has beencharged with murderin the grisly attack. 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.. Guichelaar pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Guichelaar earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, Amber Guichelaar was the mother of two young children, Man charged in pregnant wifes slaying held on $2 million bond. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Example video title will go here for this video. . You strangled your wife, he said. Richard Guichelaar, 36, was sentenced Thursday, April 28 in Kent County Circuit Court to a minimum 33 years, four months in prison. First published on April 29, 2022 / 9:36 AM. Through her mission trips over the years, through her teaching years at South Christian & Crestwood Middle School. It was a passion likely sparked when she first traveled to Guatemala on a church mission trip as a high schooler. My daughters right next to us. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). (Daniel Shular/The Grand Rapids Press via AP) The Associated Press. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Some had suffered water damage but it was clear that they were documenting the struggles she was having with her husband. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories. This was an absolutely atrocious and terrible situation. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. She said he had beaten, kicked, punched and threatened her. In a statement released by the school district, officials described her death as a tragic loss for the community. During Thursdays sentencing, Trusock described the circumstances of her death. arrest? Theres none whatsoever.. Would he ever kill me?'. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. In April this year, Guichelaar was sentenced and made a brief statement.