Gentz Charged In Murder Of Jane Bashara
GROSSE POINTE (WWJ) - Joseph Gentz has been charged and will be held without bond in the January 24 murder of Jane Bashara.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy Monday announced that Gentz, the former handyman for the Grosse Pointe Park woman, has been charged with First Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.
"We have issued these charges today on Mr. Gentz, but the investigation continues. This case is neither cold nor closed. At the appropriate time further information will released," Worthy said in a statement.
Gentz, who was arrested last Friday, was wearing blue jail attire when he was arraigned via video monitor in 36th District Court at around 1:15 p.m. Monday.Jane Bashara, a 56-year-old marketing executive and mother of two, was found strangled in her Mercedes-Benz SUV in a Detroit alley.
WWJ legal analyst and Talkradio 1270 host Charlie Langton said it's almost certain that others will be charged in the case.
"Conspiracy means, by definition, that some other person. I cannot conspire with myself to commit murder. I need somebody else," said Langton. "And the big question of the day: Who is that person?"
Gentz has police that he was hired to kill Jane Bashara by her husband, Bob Bashara.
Asked if her client has been offered any kind of deal, Gentz's court-appointed attorney Susan Reed, said only, "I have not discussed any deals with anyone at this time."
Bob Bashara, who police have called a person of interest in her murder, maintains his innocence.
Gentz remains jailed at the William Dickerson Detention Facility in Hamtramck. He will undergo a competency evaluation and is due back in court March 16 for a preliminary exam.
