The Wayne County prosecutor plans to hold a news conference Wednesday morning on the arrest of Bob Bashara. He is behind bars accused of ordering a hit on the suspected hit man who confessed to killing his wife.
"Relief. Just relief. Not even joy. I mean just relief. There is nothing to be happy about," said Cathy Ross.
Ross, a member of the group Justice 4 Jane, was meeting at a Grosse Pointe Park restaurant Tuesday a few feet away from where Bashara was arrested 24 hours ago. The message from members is strong, but silent, instead using lawn signs and bracelets to show their support for their dear friend, who was found strangled in her SUV on Detroit's east side six months ago. That is until now.
"We were all in a state of disbelief. How can this person be walking the streets and getting away with what everyone felt that he got away with," Ross said.
From the beginning, Bashara has been considered a person of interest in his wife's murder, but that is not why he was arrested. Bashara is accused of hiring someone to kill Joe Gentz, a former handyman who is charged with Jane Bashara's murder and claims her husband hired him to do it.
A source tells us Bashara tried using a middleman who knew someone behind bars who could get the job done. That man went to police.
A source says authorities recorded the deal where Bashara paid the guy a couple thousand dollars to make it happen -- a jailhouse hit on Gentz.
A couple of days later, Bashara was arrested outside his Mack Avenue property, his SUV searched and impounded.
Bashara is now behind bars at the Wayne County Jail where he awaits charges.
We contacted the family of Joe Gentz by phone. They said, "The family is pleased Bob Bashara was arrested, but shocked that Bashara wanted Joe dead."
It's a case full of twists and turns, but for longtime friends of the beloved mother and businesswoman who are still devastated by her death, it's one step closer to justice for Jane.
"I think everyone will just cheer when he goes away," said Ross.
Bashara is expected to be arraigned Wednesday at 1 p.m., according to FOX 2's Amy Andrews.
Meantime, Fox 2 also spoke to Bashara's attorney David Griem, who said his client is despondent and knows that he could go away for a very long time. We're told he is on suicide watch.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:02:29 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-13 03:26:44 GMT
Less than 24 hours after a judge bounced Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan from the ballot saying he didn't meet the City Charter's residency requirements, a negative political ad hit the air.
Less than 24 hours after a judge bounced Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan from the ballot saying he didn't meet the City Charter's residency requirements and around the same time Duggan vowed to appeal, a negative political ad hit the air.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 8:49 AM EDT2013-06-12 12:49:07 GMT
This could be a game changer for Detroit's mayoral election. Mike Duggan was yanked from the ballot after a judge said he was not a registered voter in the city for a year before he filed his nominating petitions
This could be a game changer for Detroit's mayoral election. Mike Duggan, who was considered a front runner, was yanked from the ballot after a judge said he was not a registered voter in the city for a year before he filed his nominating petitions. He fell just 14 days short.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-11 14:38:08 GMT
It was late last week after the last day of school when parents received an unexpected letter in their email that reads more like more soap opera than something from a school district.
It was late last week after the last day of school when parents received an unexpected letter in their email that reads more like more soap opera than something from a school district.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:54:19 GMT
Who will open for Bon Jovi at Ford Field on July 18? Your vote will decide. 20 bands left in the Fox Rocks contest. Voting period: Now through July 10. Time to 'Fox Rocks' the vote.
Who will open for Bon Jovi at Ford Field on July 18? Your vote will decide. 20 bands left in the Fox Rocks contest. Voting period: Now through July 10. Time to 'Fox Rocks' the vote.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:18:12 GMT
Chrysler avoided a showdown with government safety regulators Tuesday, agreeing to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.
Chrysler avoided a showdown with government safety regulators Tuesday, agreeing to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:44 GMT
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials evacuated a section of the McNamara Terminal Tuesday morning after a canine picked up the scent of explosives on the apron, where planes load.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials evacuated a section of the McNamara Terminal Tuesday morning after a canine picked up the scent of explosives on the apron, where planes load.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:53:04 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed to FOX 2 that they have agreed to a 3 year contract extension with Pavel Datsyuk that will keep him with the team through the 2016-2017 season.
The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed to FOX 2 that they have agreed to a 3 year contract extension with Pavel Datsyuk that will keep him with the team through the 2016-2017 season.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:08 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:08:18 GMT
Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
In one of the biggest-ever showdowns between an automaker and the government, Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:02:29 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:44 AM EDT2013-06-18 12:44:22 GMT
DTE Energy says about 17,000 customers remain without power Tuesday after a wave of thunderstorms hit parts of southeast Michigan. GO INSIDE THE STORY TO VIEW AND ADD YOUR PHOTOS.
DTE Energy says about 20,000 customers remain without power Tuesday after a wave of thunderstorms hit parts of southeast Michigan. GO INSIDE THE STORY TO VIEW AND ADD YOUR PHOTOS.
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Bob Bashara (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
