Gentz phone calls could signal change in Bob Bashara case

DETROIT – Jailhouse phone calls from Joe Gentz reveal that the admitted killer of Jane Bashara is still trying to be a father while behind bars.

He told his daughter that she'll need a college degree to get a good job.

"I want you to do better in school though, OK? You promise me?" Gentz says on the call. "Look, if you have a problem, get some help, ask the teacher. Do you understand me?"

The calls also reveal that Gentz thinks about Jane Bashara and her family.

"I think about it all the time," he said. "I think about the kids. I think about everything. I feel about her family. I feel everything. I hurt because of that, every day."

In a series of calls and interview two weeks ago, Gentz revealed he's well aware of the bombshell he dropped in the case.

"I know there's an affidavit out there. I do know that. OK?" he said. "The affidavit, I'm not even going to talk about that part of it."

An affidavit transcribed by an inmate features Gentz doing a 180-degree spin that could turn the case on its head. It states Gentz says he killed Jane Bashara, but that Bob Bashara wasn't there in the garage, ordering him to do it.

Gentz now says Bob Bashara didn't ask him to kill his wife. He also says that there were other people at the scene of the murder.

"I am going to tell you what, there was actually four people in the same place, yeah," Gentz says.

His new story could get Bob Bashara a new trial. He said he'd like to see Bob Bashara walk free.

"I am glad if he walks, I don't care!" he said.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.