Detroit

Bashara arraigned on solicitation of murder charge

By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

Robert Bashara, 54, of Grosse Pointe Park, was arraigned on the felony charge of solicitation of murder before 36th District Court Magistrate Charles Anderson June 27.

Bashara is accused of meeting with and paying someone to kill Joseph Gentz, 48, of Grosse Pointe Park, who is currently in jail on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the case of Jane Bashara, Robert Bashara’s wife. Gentz has reportedly told law enforcement officials that he strangled Jane Bashara on Jan. 24 at her husband’s behest.

Despite arguments against such a high bond by Bashara’s attorneys, David Griem and Christina Utley, Anderson approved a $15 million cash or surety bond, which means Bashara is likely to remain behind bars until his preliminary examination at 9 a.m. July 24.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who held a press conference before the arraignment, wouldn’t disclose the amount of the alleged payment Bashara made to the would-be hitman, saying this would come out in court. She did say the person Bashara met with wasn’t a law enforcement officer, and that Bashara wanted Gentz killed before his competency hearing July 23. Worthy said the murder investigation is ongoing.

Griem vowed to continue to fight on his client’s behalf.

“Bob Bashara is innocent,” he said. “Bob Bashara is going to get his day in court. … We’re going to do our best to make sure he walks out with us.”

Solicitation of murder carries with it a possible sentence of life in prison.

Anyone with more information about the case is asked to call the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau at (313) 967-6120.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1047.