Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her home on Nov. 16, police said. 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. 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. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. While their baby was in a cot in the bedroom, the dispatcher told Guichelaar to take the toddler out of the room. Richard Guichelaar, 35, was arraigned on a charge of open murder. Both parents told Dykgraaf they were scared because Richard Guichelaar was staying with them while police investigated. Sign up forPEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The papers appeared to have been there for a while and a liquid had been spilled on them so some of the writing was no longer legible, the report continued. Its senseless., George Guichelaar told Target 8, Were all just broken by this. At the time of her death, Amber Guichelaar was teaching English as a second language to middle schoolers in the Kentwood Public School District. PRISON GATES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE SWING OPEN, https://www.woodtv.com/news/target-8/kentwood-man-charged-with-murder-. A police search of Ambers car revealed notebook pages covered in her handwriting. 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. Plus, he never got up for the children he always left it to Amber. Arrest does not imply guilt, and criminal charges are merely accusations. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. But it seemed like a very unlikely explanation. He choked back tears as he acknowledged in open court that he. What you did to your wife, your children, to the family of Amber and her friends, is beyond comprehension, quite frankly, he said. 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. constitutional, publishing, and other legal rights. My daughters right next to us. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. In an interview with police, Brittany said Richard Guichelaar only slept downstairs when the couple argued and would not have awakened to the babys cries. 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? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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. 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. He said he had been awakened in the middle of the night by their babys cries. I was frustrated that I couldnt tell the people about Jesus and all he has done in my life. "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. 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 wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter, granddaughter. Richard Guichelaar, 36, was sentenced Thursday, April 28 in Kent County Circuit Court to a minimum 33 years, four months in prison. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. She could turn a negative situation into something fun and something happy, and that joy was contagious.. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. 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. 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). 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. Theres none whatsoever.. The mystery of why does someone choose to stay when it could cost them their life? Amy DeGraaf said. Though Amber Guichelaar wrote notes documenting her husbands abuse, its clear those papers were a secret dairy. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Scripps A 35-year-old man has been arrested for strangling his pregnant wife at their Michigan home. "My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do," she wrote. However, Mugshots.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the content of this website. The tragic killing happened in November. Trusock called it a brutal and senseless murder. (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. A release said the suspect is expected to be arraigned on Monday. On Monday, Richard Guichelaar was arraigned in court on an open murder charge. 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. I think its mainly because I love being around people, and I love learning, wrote Amber. 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. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things, Guichelaar said. None of the versions added up, according to family and friends. KENTWOOD, Mich. A Kentwood man accused of killing a pregnant teacher has admitted guilt. arrest? 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. What helped expose Guichelaar was Amber's own. 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. His bond has been set at $2 million and is scheduled to appear again in court on January 21. In February this year, 36-year-old Guichelaar pleaded guilty. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree . 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. Asked if he was pleading guilty because he is, Guichelaar told the. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Brittany explained the medications he takes for mental health issues knocked him out at night. 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. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. I do, he said. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Guichelaar earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the Nov. 16, 2020 death of 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar at their Kentwood home. She said he had beaten, kicked, punched and threatened her. WE HAVE OUTLINED UNDER OUR RECORD MAINTENANCE POLICY WHAT WE RICHARD JAMES GUICHELAAR. Did you strangle your wife and kill her? the judge asked him. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Kentwood Police detectives believed that the cause of her death was suspicious," Litwin wrote in the release. Some had suffered water damage but it was clear that they were documenting the struggles she was having with her husband. Richard Guichelaar, who strangled his pregnant wife, a well-liked teacher in the Grand Rapids area, was sentenced Thursday to at least 33 years in prison. "You killed her intentionally," Kent County Judge Mark Trusock said. And the bedroom had been hot because the thermostat was set at 25.5C it had never been set that high before. For latest case status, contact the official Law Enforcement Agency which originally released the information. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. No guarantee of accuracy is made herein. 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. The following Official Record of RICHARD JAMES GUICHELAAR is being Before taking the position at Kentwood, Amber Guichelaar had worked at South Christian High School teaching Spanish. Her father-in-law, George Guichelaar, formerly served as principal of the high school. 2022 Associated Press. 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. Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. Her children were her everything.. In an essay published online in 2014, Amber wrote about why she became a teacher. I dont know why that happened. Theres none whatsoever.. Michigan motherof two Amber Guichelaar, who was pregnant with her third child, was found dead on her bed on November 16. Richard Guichelaar, 35, was . He is dangerous and I have literally thought to myself, am I safe asleep next to him? One thing Richard Guichelaar did do, despite his wifes vehement protest, was watch pornography. Please consider donating for the girls future.". Do you know of a related media coverage to this person and/or Amber Guichelaar, 32, was killed at her Kentwood home in November 2020. 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. 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. 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. Shes right here, Richard Guichelaar said. Statements given by Richard do not fully explain the circumstances which resulted in Ambers death, a detective wrote in the probable cause affidavit. When Ambers sister asked by text what she wanted for her birthday, she replied, a new husband.. Ambers family have spoken out and want her story shared so that other women can escape abusive relationships before its too late. The term is Anglo-Norman in origin and is related to the French word arrt, meaning "stop". he wants (them) to believe, Dykgraaf wrote. Richard Guichelaar, 36, was sentenced Thursday, April 28 in Kent County Circuit Court to a minimum 33 years, four months in prison. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. "My. (Daniel Shular/The Grand Rapids Press via AP) The Associated Press. OK? the dispatcher instructed. 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. She had a wonderful sense of humor. See more Show your support Send Flowers Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. 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 didnt help with the kids or the chores. 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. The Guichelaars 8-month-old daughter slept in a crib in their bedroom. However, at home he frustrated Amber with how little he helped her out with the family. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Amber Guichelaars sister, Brittany, lived with the couple at their home on Andrew Street in Kentwood, though she was gone the night Amber died. The medical examiner found "injuries consistent with an assault which occurred just prior to her death," the affidavit shows, WOOD reports. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. He is dangerous I have literally thought to myself, am I safeasleep next to him? 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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. Subscribe to ourYouTube channel. The word "booked", when used by mugshots.com, is identical in meaning to the word "arrest". It was typical of the young mum. The couple had two children, the 8-month-old and a toddler, and Amber Guichelaar was newly pregnant with their third child. Shes purple and not breathing.. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) When Richard Guichelaar strangled the life from his wifes body, he thought he had silenced her voice forever. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. News 8 spoke with George Guichelaar on Saturday. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. He isnt someone I want around my children, shed written. There's none whatsoever.". (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. The couples children were ages 2 and 3. He admitted that the night Amber died, hed been angry with her for taking so long to lock up the house before bed. 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. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. 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. "My. 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. My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things, Guichelaar said. Add a Memory Amber Guichelaar described her passion for teaching in a 2014 presentation on the Prezi platform. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. She was a local teacher and the mother of two children. redistributed by Mugshots.com and is protected by 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. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. I need you to take her out of the room and shut the door, OK?. 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. A lot of people knew that he did have mental illness and that he did take medication for that. "Did you strangle your wife and kill her?". A faithful Christian, Amber Guichelaar was three days shy of her 33rd birthday when she died. The term is Anglo-Norman in origin and is related to the French word arrt, meaning "stop". You strangled your wife.. During a six-minute hearing, Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and assault of a pregnant individual. My wife isnt breathing, he told a dispatcher, stumbling over his words amid panicked sobs. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Police said Richard Guichelaar was arraigned on the open murder charge against him on Monday in district court. #mugshots, We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our Website. Amber Guichelaar, 32, died Nov. 16 at the home she shared with her husband at 1432 Andrew SE in Kentwood. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his sorrow, remorse and regret for what happened. This has been a difficult time for the Kentwood family, the students, staff, and ultimately the involved families, the statement said. Relationships should be free of abuse! Would he ever kill me?. Certain materials reproduced on this website are believed to be in the public domain. All are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He choked back tears as he acknowledged in open court that he intentionally strangled his wife and knew she was pregnant at the time. Later in the six-minute 911 call, the emergency dispatcher asked if there were any children in the home. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. She was found dead on her bed under what police have described as suspicious circumstances, according to a statement from the Kentwood Police Department. Hell throw things, hell punch things, hell yeah, he just rage, rage.'. Two days later, Amber Guichelaar was dead and police had a prime suspect in her husband. Related: Man charged in pregnant wifes slaying held on $2 million bond. Guichelaar has pleaded guilty plea for second-degree murder and. Richard Guichelaar, 35, was arraigned on the charge in Kentwood District Court. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Last updated on 1/11/2021, All original material at this website is subject to copyright. She was rooted in Jesus Christ and her actions and words proved that. 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Tragic Amber Guichelaar's words would help lock up the brute who strangled her. Amber also had some abrasions that were not visible when shed had a FaceTime call with her sister just hours earlier. Official Record was collected While she had confessed secretly on paper, Amber was trying to deal with it all alone. Judge Mark Trusock set a maximum release date of 100 years.. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. (She) did her best to live and love like Jesus.. He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his "sorrow, remorse and regret" for what happened. You killed her intentionally, Kent County Judge Mark Trusock said. It also confirmed she was pregnant at the time of her death, which occurred three days before her 33rd birthday. Outside the courtroom the day of the plea, there was an incredible show of grace as Amy DeGraaf hugged Richard Guichelaars father, George Guichelaar. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Richard James Guichelaar entered a guilty plea in the strangling death of his pregnant wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar. The mother of two was found dead at her home on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. 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. Finally, I didnt understand what was going on, so I got up to check on (their daughter) and uh, I saw Amber.'. Everyone was certain he had killed her and were relieved when he was arrested in January 2021. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. | Privacy "Amber's sister Brittany will be taking care of the girls and their future! "My wife was a wonderful human being, a wonderful mother, daughter and so many other things," Guichelaar said. 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. 28K views 9 months ago #domesticviolence Richard Guichelaar of Michigan recently was sentenced to 33 years in prison for his wife Amber's murder. In the center console I located loose leaf notebook papers, written in marker, Dykgraaf wrote in his report, later noting that Amber Guichelaars parents confirmed her handwriting. I felt as if it were what God was calling me to do. Richard James Guichelaar entered a guilty plea in the strangling death of his pregnant wife, 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar. Emailnews@13onyourside.com, visit ourFacebook pageorTwitter. The documents stating the medical examiner found injuries consistent with an assault which accused just prior to her death.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to . BELIEVE TO BE A FAIR PROCESS FOR ALL. 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. The assistant prosecutor, Wurstman, said its common for domestic violence survivors to hide the abuse. The district said it had been cooperating with law enforcement officials as part of the investigation. The only person at home at the time of the crime who was physically capable of causing the fatal injuries was Guichelaar. Still, despite Richard Guichelaars violent history, it seems no one considered he might kill his wife. They are urging anyone who is suffering in silence to reach out and get help. Ambers mum, Amy DeGraaf, said Ambers sister had taken her two young children in and was raising them. He has not yet entered a plea and remains held in jail until his next court date, scheduled for Jan. 21. All rights reserved. Alex Murdaugh: Inside the Mind of a Killer, Mallory Beachs Family Attorney Speaks to Court TV. 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. Her father-in-law, George Guichelaar, formerly served as principal of the high school. (Amber) was very fun, her mom said. He was charged with second-degree murder and intentionally assaulting a pregnant woman. He was crying and sounded distressed. 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. 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. He was charged with second-degree murder and intentionally assaulting a pregnant woman. 13 On Your Side Forecast: Snowfall Moves Out, Nicer Weekend Ahead!