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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:41 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:41:47 GMT
FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
For at least the third time in a decade, FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:28 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:28:39 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:32 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:32:27 GMT
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:24 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:24:16 GMT
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:40 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:40:48 GMT
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:45:33 GMT
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Bob Bashara (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
