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Bob Bashara Speaks: 'We Have Cooperated'

GROSSE POINTE (WWJ) - Shuffling slowly out of his spacious home, a somber Bob Bashara, the husband of slain Grosse Pointe Park woman Jane Bashara, gave a brief statement to the media Wednesday afternoon.

"We wish to thank the hundreds and hundreds of supporters...This is an unconceivable tragedy...," Bashara said. "We have cooperated with law enforcement agencies and will continue to do so.

"Both our families grieve and in the light of this horrific event, ask for your continued prayers, ask for your support, and respect of our privacy as we deal with this heartbreak and try to cope."

The couple's son spoke briefly in support of his father, who has been called by police "a person of interest."

"My sister and I really support our dad throughout all of this and we just miss our mom so much," the son said. "We're just trying to get through this."

The body of 56-year-old Jane Bashara was found in the back of her Mercedes-Benz SUV parked in an alley at Pinwood and Arnott in Detroit last Wednesday. Her husband reported her missing the night before.

There are still no criminal charges in the case, but police do have some leads.

WWJ's Ron Dewey reports that investigators have been talking to a man who turned himself in Tuesday morning — indicating that he had knowledge of the murder. The man identified in reports as 48-year-old Joseph Gentz of Saint Clair Shores claims he was at the home the night Jane Bashara was strangled to death, although the extent of his involvement is not yet clear.

Wednesday afternoon, Bob Bashara refused to address reporters' questions about Gentz, including a question about how they were acqainted.

Speaking live on WWJ Tuesday morning, defense attorney David Griem, who has been retained by the Bashara family, said Gentz has no credibility. (More on this here)

WWJ Newsradio 950's Sandra McNeil is there. Stay with WWJ and CBSDetroit.com for more information.

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