Joe Gentz waives right to preliminary exam in Bashara case

Joe Gentz charged with murder for Grosse Pointe Park mother's death; Due back in court Oct. 11

Published On: Oct 04 2012 07:35:37 AM EDT   Updated On: Oct 04 2012 04:31:26 PM EDT
Joe Gentz oct 4
DETROIT -

Months after being charged, a Detroit-area handyman has waived his right to a preliminary exam.

Joe Gentz made the move Wednesday. The case now moves to Wayne County Circuit Court. He is due back in court on Oct. 11 for arraignment.

Gentz is charged with strangling Jane Bashara last January.

Gentz worked for Bashara's husband, Robert Bashara. In a separate case, Robert Bashara is charged with trying to have Gentz rubbed out in the Wayne County jail because he feared Gentz would implicate him in his wife's death.

Bob Bashara in court July 24

--Bob Bashara

Gentz' mental health has been under scrutiny, but experts say he's competent to face the charges.

Grosse Pointe Park mother found dead in January

Jane Bashara chain link fence

Jane Bashara was found dead in the back of her SUV in a Detroit alley on Jan. 25. She had been reported missing the night before.

Sources say Joe Gentz was forced to kill the Grosse Pointe Park mother under the order of her husband.

Gentz is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Bob Bashara has not been charged.

UNCUT:Gentz waives preliminary exam

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