Bob Bashara pleads not guilty to solicitation of murder charge

Grosse Pointe Park man accused of trying to have suspect in wife Jane Bashara's murder killed while behind bars

DETROIT – Bob Bashara pleaded not guilty Tuesday at his arraignment on a solicitation of murder charge.

Bashara didn't speak during the hearing. His new attorney, Mark Kriger, stood by his side and entered the plea.

He is due back in court on Aug. 17.

Bashara is accused of trying to have his former handyman Joe Gentz killed while behind bars. Gentz is charged with murder in the death of Bashara's wife, Jane Bashara.

Read more: Bob Bashara ordered to stand trial

Police investigators and prosecutors say Bashara tried to hire a hitman to kill Gentz in jail.

Gentz will be back in court Aug. 13.

Jane Bashara was found dead Jan. 25 in the back of her SUV in January in a Detroit alley. Her husband had reported her missing the night before.

Complete coverage: Grosse Pointe Park murder investigation