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. A police search of Ambers car revealed notebook pages covered in her handwriting. 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. My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do. 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. 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. My wife isnt breathing, he told a dispatcher, stumbling over his words amid panicked sobs. Amber Guichelaar previously taught Spanish at South Christian High School where her father-in-law, George Guichelaar, formerly served as principal. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. (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. Outside the courtroom the day of the plea, there was an incredible show of grace as Amy DeGraaf hugged Richard Guichelaars father, George Guichelaar. Asked if he was pleading guilty because he is, Guichelaar told the. Amber Guichelaar was the mother of two young children and taught for Kentwood Public Schools. 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. 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. BELIEVE TO BE A FAIR PROCESS FOR ALL. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. In February this year, 36-year-old Guichelaar pleaded guilty. Guichelaar earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the Nov. 16, 2020 death of 32-year-old Amber Guichelaar at their Kentwood home. 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. 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Amber Guichelaars sister, Brittany, lived with the couple at their home on Andrew Street in Kentwood, though she was gone the night Amber died. When the judge asked him whether he knew she was pregnant at the time, he confirmed that he did. Theres just no excuse or justification for this brutal and senseless murder. When pregnant mother of two Amber Guichelaar was found dead in her Michigan home in November, police were suspicious. Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21 in a six-minute hearing before Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock. He is dangerous and I have literally thought to myself, am I safe asleep next to him? She later moved to the Kentwood Public Schools where she taught students learning English as a second language. Amber definitely was a child of God, said her mom, Amy DeGraaf, in a recent interview with Target 8. I think the hard part is, Amber did a really good job of covering for him, Wustman said. That just wasnt what he did, Wustman explained to News 8. 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. Her patience and sense of fun made her hugely popular with the students. I dont know why that happened. And that was intentional, is that correct? the judge said. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. 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. Ambers mum, Amy DeGraaf, said Ambers sister had taken her two young children in and was raising them. Judge Mark Trusock set a maximum release date of 100 years. 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. 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. Task force: Systems need better understanding of domestic violence lethality factors, Safe Haven Ministries: What keeps people in abusive relationships, Safe Haven Ministries: Recognizing domestic violence, Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty Feb. 21, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Honest toddler helps Kentucky police arrest wanted, Feds upgrading inspection technology at ports of, 1 arrested after robbing GR Meijer with pepper spray, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies at, Consumers: No widespread outages expected in storm, After 126 years, U.P.s only private college to close, Parent alert: Teens dying by suicide amid sextortion, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. What you did to your wife, your children, to the family of Amber and her friends, is beyond comprehension, quite frankly, he said. While their baby was in a cot in the bedroom, the dispatcher told Guichelaar to take the toddler out of the room. The judge has indicated the sentence will fall within the guidelines. "My whole life, it seems, being a teacher is what I wanted to do," she wrote. Guichelaar worked for a landscaping and snow ploughing company, and while outside of the house he couldnt do enough to help. News 8 spoke with George Guichelaar on Saturday. 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. His bond has been set at $2 million and is scheduled to appear again in court on January 21. 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. Trusock called it a brutal and senseless murder. The question whether the person is under arrest or not depends not on the legality of the arrest, but on whether the person has been deprived of personal liberty of movement. During a six-minute hearing, Richard Guichelaar pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and assault of a pregnant individual. One thing Richard Guichelaar did do, despite his wifes vehement protest, was watch pornography. Mugshots.com makes every effort to insure the accuracy of information posted on this website. 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. Amber also had some abrasions that were not visible when shed had a FaceTime call with her sister just hours earlier. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Richard Guichelaar, 35, of Kentwood is charged with open. He will be eligible for parole consideration after 33 years in custody. Have a news tip? I do, he said. The mystery of why does someone choose to stay when it could cost them their life? Amy DeGraaf said. Alex Murdaugh: Inside the Mind of a Killer, Mallory Beachs Family Attorney Speaks to Court TV. But Friday, News 8 confirmed that an open murder arrest warrant had been issued for Richard Guichelaar through Kentwood District Court. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? During Thursdays sentencing, Trusock described the circumstances of her death. You may leave a message for the family by clicking here. She was just so loving and caring and a fixer, and she always wanted him to be better and covered for him. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family as they cope with this tragedy.". The only person at home at the time of the crime who was physically capable of causing the fatal injuries was Guichelaar. The word "arrest" on Mugshots.com means the apprehension of a person or the deprivation of a person's liberty. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. In April this year, Guichelaar was sentenced and made a brief statement. call or text Safe Haven Ministries anytime at 616.452.6664. Scripps Owned and Operated by: Julkisuudessa, Nevis, West Indies. Amber Guichelaar went on to document the violence she had endured at the hands of her husband Richard Guichelaar, 39. 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. However, Mugshots.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the content of this website. Before taking the position at Kentwood, Amber Guichelaar had worked at South Christian High School teaching Spanish. 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. I think its mainly because I love being around people, and I love learning.. (The friend) did not know of any physical violence between Richard and Amber. 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. It was typical of the young mum. 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. 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. He is dangerous I have literally thought to myself, am I safeasleep next to him? He told the judge that he was unable to find words to express his sorrow, remorse and regret for what happened. Richard Guichelaar works for a landscaping and snowplowing business, MLive.com reports. So far, well-wishers have donated more than $51,000. 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. While she had confessed secretly on paper, Amber was trying to deal with it all alone. A release said the suspect is expected to be arraigned on Monday. Exactly who Amber chose for their care. Company. Because prosecutors could not prove premeditation, they charged him with second-degree murder instead of first, as well as intentionally assaulting a pregnant person. Kentwood Police confirmed Saturday a suspect was charged with open murder in Amber Guichelaars death. I think it's mainly because I love being around people, and I love learning.". There's none whatsoever.". Richard Guichelaar, 36, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family as they cope with this tragedy.. In trauma situations, the district and building leadership continue to provide ongoing support to students and staff as they grieve this loss. He isnt someone I want around my children, shed written. 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. Nearly two months after his wife was found dead at home, Richard James Guichelaar of Grand Rapid, Michigan, was arrested. 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. 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. It was a shocking record of the abuse shed suffered and it was heartbreaking to know that she had kept it all to herself. 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. No. They are urging anyone who is suffering in silence to reach out and get help. 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. Add a Memory The victims mother, Amy DeGraaf, spoke at the sentencing and asked the judge to consider the two young children. 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. All Rights Reserved. A GoFundMe account has been set up for Guichelaar's two daughters.