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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:59:19 GMT
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:03:59 GMT
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:58 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:58:47 GMT
35-year-old Sabrina Gianino was found dead inside her boyfriend's flat on Wayburn in Grosse Pointe Park just after midnight on Wednesday. Police are calling the death suspicious.
35-year-old Sabrina Gianino was found dead inside her boyfriend's flat on Wayburn in Grosse Pointe Park just after midnight on Wednesday. Police are calling the death suspicious.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:59:09 GMT
Warren police raided a pet store described as a little shop of horrors. The owner is not only accused of keeping animals in filthy conditions, but keeping them in a building without working utilities.
Warren police raided a pet store described as a little shop of horrors. The owner is not only accused of keeping animals in filthy conditions, but keeping them in a building without working utilities.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Bob Bashara (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
