Judge angered, Bob Bashara gets emotional at pre-trial hearing

Grosse Pointe Park man becomes emotional during hearing on eve of 2-year anniversary of wife's murder

DETROIT – Judge Vonda Evans was not happy.

She was angered that another judge was called upon to sign a search warrant in the case against Bob Bashara. It's a case Evans is presiding over. The search took place last year at the office of Bashara's personal attorney.

"I don't care how complex and complicated, I am the presiding judge over this trial, over this matter. And anything else will come through me!" said Judge Evans. "That's how things are done, and that's my expectation. The day of having you go around this court to decide who you want to sign a search warrant is over."

While in court on Thursday, Bahsara, to the surprise of many, became emotional talking about his late wife, Jane.

"Your honor, I want to thank you very much for recognizing the second anniversary of my wife's passing and I just want to say that, please, everyone, don't forget her. She was a wonderful gal," said Bob.

Though investigators believe Bob Bashara forced handyman Joe Gentz to kill Jane Bashara Jan. 24, 2012 inside the family's Grosse Pointe Park home, right now the judge is still keeping Bashara's legal team in tact and some question if changes are made now they won't be ready for a trial.

Read back: Bob Bashara pleads not guilty to murder charge

Everyone will be back in court Feb. 18 to determine if changes need to be made and also to focus on whether this trial could possibly begin in March.

Thursday was another emotional and bizarre chapter in this ongoing saga.

SPECIAL COVERAGE: Jane Bashara Murder Investigation

2 years later, Jane Bashara's murder investigation continues

Jane Bashara was found strangled to death on Jan. 25, 2012, inside her SUV that was parked in a Detroit alley, a few miles from the couple's home.

Joseph Gentz, a handyman who worked for Bob Bashara, has pleaded guilty to killing her, but saying he did so at her husband's behest.

Bob Bashara already is serving up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to trying to hire someone to kill Gentz in jail.


About the Author:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.