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 death, according to court documents.
The death was declared a homicide by strangulation/asphyxiation.
Her husband, Richard Guichelaar, is being charged with open murder in connection to her death.
He was the only other person present at the home during the timeframe of the incident that was physically capable of causing Amber’s injuries.
The Kentwood Police Department responded about 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 16 after Richard had called 9-1-1 to report that he had found Amber dead in their bed.
SEE MORE: Husband of late Kentwood Public Schools teacher charged with open murder
Amber had last been seen alive the day before when she spoke to her sister on Facetime.
Statements given by Richard do not fully explain the circumstances of Amber’s death, according to the court documents.
Read the charging documents here.
Court records also show that the family's dog, an Akita named Shotze, attacked a neighbor's child unprovoked as they were walking down the street in October 2019.
The child suffered severe facial injuries.
The neighbors sued and were granted a $501,000 settlement in February 2020. Eight months later, Amber would be found dead.
Kentwood Public Schools says it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Kentwood police.
Read the district's full statement:
Following the tragic loss of a Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) teacher this past fall, the district leadership has cooperated fully with law enforcement during their investigation. Since KPS is not involved with this incident, all questions should be directed to the Kentwood Police Department.
It is the district’s policy to not comment on this or any criminal investigation. If you have any information regarding this event, please contact the Kentwood Police Department.
This has been a difficult time for the Kentwood family, the students, staff, and ultimately the involved families. In trauma situations, the district and building leadership continue to provide ongoing support to students and staff as they grieve this loss. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family as they cope with this tragedy.
The focus of Kentwood Public Schools continues to be on providing an education of excellence for the students and families of our community. During this time where social isolation has increased, the teachers and staff at KPS continue to provide additional social and emotional support to their students. Positive relationships are important for resilience and academic achievement.
If you are aware of any students that are struggling during this pandemic or in dealing with this sad event, please contact either the administrative offices or the building principal. Additional academic and emotional support systems are available.
