Watch CBS News

Joseph Gentz Arrested In Jane Bashara Murder

GROSSE POINTE (WWJ) - An attorney for the family of murdered Grosse Pointe woman Jane Bashara says an arrest has been made in her death.

Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950, David Griem Friday said 48-year-old Joseph Gentz of Saint Clair Shores turned himself into police in connection with the case.

Gentz, who had reportedly told Grosse Pointe Park investigators he was paid by her husband to kill Jane Bashara, spent three days with police last month, but was released  without charges.

Jane Bashara, a 56-year-old marketing executive and mother of two, was found strangled in Mercedes-Benz SUV in a Detroit alley.

Her husband Bob Bashara, who police have called a person of interest in her murder, maintains his innocence. Rumors have swirled around the man, some indicating that he failed a lie detector test, that he has a history of extramarital affairs and that he hosted S&M parties in a sex dungeon at a bar he previously owned.

So, what's next in the case?

WWJ Legal Analyst and Talkradio 1270 host Charlie Langton, said this arrest could be only the first in a chain of events.

"Right now the police are probably talking to Joe Gentz to see if Joe Gentz will make a case against Bob Bashara. If that's the case, I would expect another arrest in this case. And it could be very soon, and it could very well be Bob Bashara," Langton said. "The big question is whether or not if Joe Gentz will talk. And if Joe Gentz will talk, will the police believe that Bob Bashara played a role in the murder."

Langton said police are probably relying on evidence obtained at the Bashara home, in addition to Gentz's alleged confession, to make their case.

A WWJ source said Gentz was being held at the Dickerson Detention Facility in Hamtramck.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's office isn't commenting.

- Catch up on this story -

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.