Crime & Safety

Joe Gentz Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder in Death of Jane Bashara

The handyman told the court that Bob Bashara, Jane Bashara's husband, promised him money and threatened him, according to WXYZ and the Detroit Free Press.

Joe Gentz has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Jane Bashara of Grosse Pointe Park, according to WXYZ, the Detroit Free Press and other media reports.

Gentz, a St. Clair Shores handyman, said Bob Bashara—the husband of Jane Bashara—promised Gentz money and threatened him.

The guilty plea means Gentz could serve between 17-28 years in prison. His sentencing trial will take place Jan. 29, 2013, according to WXYZ.

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Maria Miller, a spokesperson for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, said the investigation into Jane Bashara's death is still open.

"The Jane Bashara homicide case remains under investigation," Miller said in an email. "No other charges are expected at this time."

Find out what's happening in Grosse Pointewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Gentz’s plea is the latest in a case that has stunned the Grosse Pointe community.

Bob Bashara pleaded guilty to solicitation of murder in October, telling the court he tried to hire a hitman to kill Gentz. He was sentenced to 6-20 years in prison on Dec. 10.


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