Re: Jane Bashara Murder (thread #3)

[Darkman]

Joe Gentz found competent to stand trial

Experts say a plea deal could be next

Published On: Jul 09 2012 11:56:22 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 09 2012 11:56:49 PM EDT

---- TEXT & VIDEO (2:17) ----

A big development in the mystery surrounding the murder of Grosse Pointe mom Jane Bashara, a new ruling says her husband’s handyman is able to stand trial for her murder.

A court ordered evaluation says handyman Joe Gentz is competent to stand trial.

According to Bashara’s attorney David Griem, there is no surprise that Gentz is competent to stand trial.

“The bottom line there is this unholy alliance between the prosecutor and Joe Gentz’s attorney. They’ve been negotiating for three or four months,” said Griem.

If a deal is reached and Gentz testifies against Bob Bashara, Bashara he will face two trials, one trial for his wife’s murder and the other for supposedly hiring a hit man to kill Gentz in jail.

According to Defense Attorney Todd Flood, with competency out of the way, if a deal is going to happen, it will happen fast.

“If they’re contemplating a plea deal this definitely triggers the event to happen for a plea,” said Flood.

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Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Joe-Gentz-found-competent-to-stand-trial/-/1719418/15457696/-/6g2xbe/-/index.html

[Darkman]

Bob Bashara: The library and the ladies

Author: Hank Winchester, Local 4 Reporter
Published On: Jul 09 2012 07:45:26 PM EDT

-- Bob Bashara was arraigned June 27 on charges he tried to have a suspect in his wife's murder killed.

---- TEXT & VIDEO (2:57) ----

They are women who allegedly helped Bob Bashara explore his interest in S & M - former mistresses and who knew Bashara as Master Bob...

Speaking a little of S&M....

What would Christian Grey of '50 Shades' look like?

(I tell you ... Christian Grey, that "makes all those women run to book stores", would look nothing like Bobby aka Master Bob, lol)

Published On: Jul 10 2012 08:18:28 AM EDT Updated On: Jul 10 2012 08:34:03 AM EDT

The first sketch of what could be the face of Christian Grey - the fantasy inducing character from "50 Shades of Grey-" has been revealed.

---- VIDEO (1:45) ----

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Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/entertainment/What-would-Christian-Grey-of-50-Shades-look-like/-/1718940/15459748/-/797g4oz/-/index.html

[Darkman]

July 10, 2012 at 9:37 am

Lawyer: Gentz competent to stand trial

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Read at the source from The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120710/METRO01/207100380

[Darkman]

With Joe Gentz Declared Competent, Is Bob Bashara In Bigger Trouble?

July 10th, 2012, 1:11 AM

Joe Gentz, the mentally challenged handyman who told authorities he killed Jane Bashara at the behest of her husband Bob, is competent to stand trial, the Detroit Free Press reported. That could mean bigger trouble for big Bob.

Reporter Swickard of the Free Press reported that a court-sanction independent evaluation came to that conclusion, opening the gate for Gentz to crack a deal with authorities in lieu of going to trial. He cited Gentz's attorney Susan Reed.

The competency ruling will not only help Gentz potentially land a plea, but give the prosecution more ammunition if it decides to charge Bashara and have Gentz testify against him....

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More at the Source: http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/1122/with_joe_gentz_declared_competent_is_bob_bashara_in_bigger_trouble

[Darkman]

Joe Gentz Found Competent To Stand Trial On Murder Charges

July 10, 2012 7:44 AM

GROSSE POINTE (WWJ) - The former handyman of a Grosse Pointe Park woman has been found competent to stand trial for her brutal murder.

A court-sanction independent evaluation found Joe Gentz – who reportedly told police he was hired by Bob Bashara to kill his wife, Jane – mentally competent to stand trial. That supports earlier findings by doctors doing forensics work in the case.

“Competence to stand trial means you understand the proceedings against you and that you can help assist your attorney. It’s not that you’re a Rhodes scholar, it’s just that you understand where you are,” said WWJ legal analyst and Talk Radio 1270 morning show host Charlie Langton.

Langton said the findings allow Gentz’s lawyers to speak with prosecutors about making a possible deal.

“Joe Gentz could be looking at a possible plea bargain, but what’s really going on here is that the prosecutors want to make sure that Joe Gentz is competent to testify because they, the prosecutors, need a good witness, a legitimate witness, to testify that it was in face Bob Bashara who ordered this killing,” said Langton.

Gentz, who reportedly has an IQ below 70, was charged in March with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the strangulation death of Jane Bashara.

The body of the 56-year-old marketing executive and mother of two was found in her Mercedes-Benz SUV parked in an alley at Pinewood and Annott in Detroit on Jan. 25. Her husband reported her missing the night before. An autopsy showed that she had extensive bruising to her upper body, a crushed windpipe and missing fingernails.

Bob Bashara isn’t charged with his wife’s murder, but he is charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill Gentz in jail. Prosecutors say Bob Bashara allegedly offered to pay more than one person to kill Gentz while he awaits trial in Wayne County Jail. He remains jailed on a $15 million bond.

“The idea here is that normally people want to hire hitmen to kill important people and the allegation is that now, Bashara hired a hitman to kill Gentz. Why would Bob Bashara want to hire someone who means nothing? In reality now, Joe Gentz is a very key witness, and that’s what that hitman charge is all about,” said Langton.

Bob Bashara, who was named a person of interest early on in the investigation, has maintained his innocence and denied any involvement in his wife’s death.

What, if anything, could the latest developments mean for Bob Bashara? Speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950, his attorney David Griem described it as a three-month charade.

“There have been negotiations going on between Joe Gentz’s attorney and the prosecution for that entire period of time. I don’t think there has ever been a case, that I’m aware of, where the prosecution has stipulated to a second forensic examination done by an independent psychiatrist,” said Griem.

Griem said he now expects for Bob Bashara to be charged with his wife’s murder.

“I’ve been expecting that for some time. Again, I think the competency examination was just a charade to buy time. As far as timing goes, I’ve got no control over that. But we know it’s coming, it’s just a question of when,” said Griem.

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Source: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/07/10/joe-gentz-found-competent-to-stand-trial-on-murder-charges/

[Darkman]

Gentz deemed Competent

July 10, 2012

---- AUDIO (Charlie Langton Podcast, 7:09) ----

Charlie asks Bob Bashara's attorney David Greim how handy-man Joe Gentz's competency ruling will affect the case against Bashara.

----

Listen at the Source (Click)

[Darkman]

Gentz Found Competent for Trial

By Kila Peeples

July 10, 2012
Updated Jul 10, 2012 at 10:36 AM EDT


Detroit, Mi (My TV20 News at 10) -- According to attorney Susan Reed, Joe Gentz has been found mentally sound to stand trial for th January strangulation murder of Jane Bashara. Charged with 1st degree murder and conspiracy, Gentz will most likely be able to negotiate a plea deal.

Gentz has stood firm in saying he was hired by Jane's husband, Bob to excute the murder. "Big Bob" Bashara is now in jail charged with allegedly attempting to hire someone to kill Gentz in jail. Gentz will be in court again tomorrow afternoon...

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Source: http://www.tv20detroit.com/news/Gentz-Found-Competent-for-Trial-161919725.html

[Darkman]

Bob Bashara's attorney loses bid to block 'overaggressive' subpoenas

12:12 PM, July 10, 2012


Bob Bashara’s attorney David Griem lost his bid today to rein in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s use of investigative subpoenas.

In a terse one-line order, the Michigan Court of Appeals denied Griem’s request for an order of superintending control.

The detail of request to the appellate court was sealed when he filed it last month, but Griem had railed against what called overaggressive use of the subpoenas that require witness to talk with prosecutors. He characterized the prosecutor’s office as being “out of control” in their efforts to gather evidence that Bashara was behind the murder of his wife Jane in January.

PDF: Michigan Court of Appeals order denying Bashara attorney's request

or view it here: (click on Spoiler below)

Spoiler:

In a request for superintending controls, a higher court is asked to intercede because a lower court has failed to perform a clear legal duty.

Griem could not be reached for immediate comment this morning and the prosecutor’s office issued a statement that the sealing of the motion prohibited any discussion of the motion’s contents.

Bashara has not been charged in connection with his wife’s death, but was arrested last month for trying to get a hit man to kill Joe Gentz in the Wayne County Jail where he’s held on murder charges. Gentz told police he killed Jane Bashara at her husband’s behest.

A hearing on Gentz’s mental competency to stand trial is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon in Detroit 36th District Court. If he is found competent, it would enable his lawyer Susan Reed to open the door for negotiations with prosecutors.

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Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120710/NEWS02/120710038/bob-bashara-attorney-david-griem-wayne-county-subpoenas

[Darkman]

Motion in Bashara Case Denied by Court of Appeals

The Michigan Court of Appeals denied a Motion for Superintending Control filed by Bob Bashara's attorney David Griem.

By Edward Cardenas, the author, 12:48 pm


The Michigan Court of Appeals denied a motion filed by Bob Bashara's attorney David Griem.

The motion for superintending control was filed by Robert Bashara's attorney David Griem on June 27, according to a release from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

The motion was placed under seal by the court and the parties are precluded from discussing the substance of the motion, according to the release from Maria Miller, spokeswoman for the office.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Griem had asked the Michigan Court of Appeals to stop the prosecutors' use of investigative subpoenas.

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Source: http://grossepointe.patch.com/articles/motion-in-bashara-case-denied-by-court-of-appeals

[Darkman]

July 10, 2012 at 12:42 pm

Competency hearing set for Wednesday in Gentz case

By Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News

Detroit— A competency hearing is expected Wednesday for the handyman charged in the strangulation death of a Grosse Pointe Park woman, days after his attorney revealed that an independent mental review deemed him competent to stand trial.

Wayne County prosecutors Tuesday said Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lindsay will appear before 36th District Court Chief Judge Kenneth King at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss competency findings for Joseph Gentz.

The St. Clair Shores man is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the January death of Jane Bashara. Gentz's attorney, Susan Reed, on Monday confirmed the finding of a court-sanctioned independent evaluation. She could not be immediately reached by The News on Tuesday.

Gentz was previously determined competent to stand trial by doctors at the state forensic center.

He is charged in the death of Jane Bashara, whose body was found Jan. 25 inside her Mercedes-Benz in Detroit.

Gentz did odd jobs for Jane Bashara's husband. Bob Bashara is not charged in his wife's death, but does face charges that he tried to hire a hit man to kill Gentz in jail. Police sources have said Bashara made a deal to pay Gentz $2,000 and give him a used Cadillac in exchange for Jane Bashara's killing.

His lawyer, David Griem, denies those charges. Griem could not be immediately reached Tuesday.

Bashara was arraigned in June on charges of solicitation of murder on claims he paid one man and attempted to pay another to kill Gentz, who is in jail awaiting trial.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy has said "investigative sources" say Bashara wanted Gentz killed in jail because he didn't want him to testify.

Lindsey previously hinted about the possibility of a plea bargain for Gentz and said in court that Reed wanted the independent evaluation before entering into negotiations.

Maria Miller, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, said Tuesday that there is no comment from prosecutors regarding plea negotiations.

Gentz is being held at the Dickerson Detention Facility in Hamtramck.

Macomb County Circuit Court records say Gentz has an IQ of 67 and was previously diagnosed with bipolar and organic mood disorder.

Bashara is due in 36th District Court for a preliminary examination in his case on July 24.

cferretti@detnews.com

(313) 222-2069

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From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120710/METRO01/207100380/1361/Lawyer--Gentz-competent-to-stand-trial

[Darkman]

Lawyer predicts Bashara could soon be charged in wife's murder

Posted: Jul 10, 2012 4:29 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 10, 2012 4:30 PM CDT

By Amy Lange



DETROIT (WJBK) -
"Criminal charges are forthcoming in regards to the death of Jane Bashara," David Griem said Tuesday.

Bob Bashara's attorney is predicting his client could be charged very soon. This after reports that a second mental evaluation has found confessed hit man Joe Gentz is competent to stand trial. That clears the way for a plea deal with prosecutors and possible murder and conspiracy charges against Bashara for the strangulation of his wife, Jane, back in January.

"Joe Gentz gets one of these (slaps his wrist) and testifies in return against Bob Bashara," said Griem. "I'm not sure they need Joe Gentz like they needed him originally because of the second case."

That second case has Bashara already locked up accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill alleged hit man Joe Gentz in jail, all allegedly captured in an audio recording.

"Allegedly he paid somebody $2,000 to somehow infiltrate the Wayne County Jail," Griem said. "The evidence will show that the prosecution snitch approached Bob Bashara."

That person is a longtime acquaintance of Bob Bashara's at Steve's Furniture and Appliance store in Detroit where they declined comment.

Meantime, Gentz is getting ready for his new court date, originally scheduled for July 23.

That second competency hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at 36th District Court. Bashara is not due back there for his case until July 24, but that could change if more charges come sooner.

Fox 2 legal analyst Charlie Langton says those charges could be imminent.

"If he's a murderer and Joe Gentz can help prove that, there's no reason to wait at all. Bring the charges now. Let's get a trial," he said.

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Source: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18994340/2012/07/10/lawyer-predicts-bashara-could-soon-be-charged-in-wifes-murder

[Darkman]

Joe Gentz Competency Exam to be Held Wednesday

The handyman charged in the January strangulation death of Grosse Pointe Park resident Jane E. Bashara will have a competency exam Wednesday before 36th District Court Judge Kenneth J. King.

By Edward Cardenas, the author, 11:54 am


A second competency hearing for the handyman who worked for Bob Bashara has been rescheduled for Wednesday in 36th District Court before Chief Judge Kenneth J. King.

Joseph Gentz had been found competent to stand trial in the murder and conspiracy charges related to the strangulation death of Jane E. Bashara.

Gentz's court-appointed attorney, Susan Reed, requested the second competency evaluation by an independent doctor. The hearing was originally scheduled for July 23.

Gentz, most recently of Grosse Pointe Park and formerly of St. Clair Shores, has been housed at Dickerson Lockup Facility since his March 2 arrest in Jane Bashara's January homicide.

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Source: http://grossepointe.patch.com/articles/joe-gentz-competency-exam-to-be-held-wednesday

[Darkman]

Bob Bashara's arrest: Tale of the tapes

Bob Bashara's attorney David Griem plays potential evidence for his client

Author: Hank Winchester, Local 4 Reporter
Published On: Jul 10 2012 07:07:48 PM EDT

---- TEXT & VIDEO (2:51) ----

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. -
Bob Bashara, David Griem and the tapes. For the first time, the Local 4 Defenders are learning Bob Bashara heard the audio evidence - the recorded conversations between himself and an alleged middleman who was secretly working with police.
Attorney David Griem obtained the potential evidence and played the audio for his client Tuesday inside the Wayne County Jail.
The audio is a key piece of evidence as pros work to show Bob Bashara allegedly wanted handyman Joe Gentz killed.

Sources tell the Local 4 Defenders Bob Bashara was captured on tape talking with at least 2 different people. In one exchange he allegedly revealed he's frustrated with the police investigation and is upset with Joe Gentz. In another alleged exchange, Bashara laid out the plan by talking money and exactly how to take Gentz out.
Bashara’s attorney confirms the tapes exist but has said his client wasn’t ordering a hit. He says Bashara was misunderstood and he believes the evidence will show the conversations were taken out of context.

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Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/investigations/Bob-Bashara-s-arrest-Tale-of-the-tapes/-/1719314/15469580/-/uuxblgz/-/index.html

[Darkman]

Bashara attorney loses appeal; Gentz’s mental competency subject of court hearing

By Mitch Hotts
mitch.hotts@macombdaily.com

Posted: 07/10/12 09:29 pm

Bob Bashara’s attorney on Tuesday lost an appeal to have a higher court oversee his attempts to limit prosecutors’ use of investigative subpoenas and today will learn if the man charged in the death of Bashara’s wife is mentally competent to stand trial.

Both moves could impact Bashara’s bid for freedom as he remains jailed on charges of trying to hire a hitman to kill Joe Gentz, the sole defendant charged so far in the strangulation of Jane Bashara.

In a decision announced Tuesday, the Michigan Court of Appeals has denied a motion filed by Bashara defense attorney Dave Griem for superintending control.

However, a spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said the motion has been sealed by the court and the parties are not allowed to discuss its substance.

The ruling simply stated: “The Court orders that the complaint for superintending control is denied.” It was signed by Presiding Judge Michael Talbot.

Although details of the motion were not made public, Griem last month told reporters prosecutors were being overaggressive in using subpoenas to require witnesses to talk to police investigating whether Bashara plotted the murder of his wife this past January.

A request for superintending control generally asks a higher court to issue an order that specifically requires a lower court to allow or stop a certain action.

Griem could not be reached for comment on the ruling.

Bob Bashara, 56, of Grosse Pointe Park, is being held in the Wayne County Jail in lieu of a $15 million bond after he was charged with solicitation of murder for trying to hire someone to kill Gentz, his former handyman.

Although publicly labeled a person of interest in his wife’s death, Bashara has not been charged in connection with her death. Gentz, formerly of St. Clair Shores, faces charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to kill Jane Bashara. He allegedly confessed to killing the woman in her home, at the behest of her husband.

Gentz reportedly has told investigators that he was paid $2,000 for the deed while other times he said Bob Bashara forced him at gunpoint to kill her.

Gentz is due Wednesday afternoon in 36th District Court in Detroit where he is expected to be found mentally competent for trial. A previous exam ordered by the court found he was able to understand the charges against him. The second exam was requested by his court-appointed defense attorney Susan Reed.

If Gentz is found competent, Reed is expected to resume plea bargain negotiations with the prosecutor’s office.

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Source: http://www.macombdaily.com/article/20120710/NEWS03/120719962/bashara-attorney-loses-appeal-gentz-s-mental-competency-subject-of-court-hearing&pager=full_story

[Darkman]

July 11, 2012 at 1:00 am
Hearing today for Bashara suspect

Court to discuss review saying Gentz is fit to stand trial

By Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News

Detroit— A competency hearing is expected Wednesday for the handyman charged in the strangulation death of a Grosse Pointe Park woman, days after his attorney revealed that an independent mental review deemed him competent to stand trial.

Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey is expected to appear before 36th District Chief Judge Kenneth King at 1:30 p.m. to discuss competency findings for Joseph Gentz.

The St. Clair Shores man is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the January death of Jane Bashara. Gentz has claimed Jane Bashara's husband, Robert, promised him money and a car to commit the killing.

Gentz's attorney, Susan Reed, on Monday confirmed the findings of a court-sanctioned independent evaluation. She could not be reached Tuesday.

A previous review conducted by doctors at the state forensic center also found Gentz competent.

Jane Bashara's body was found Jan. 25 inside her Mercedes-Benz in Detroit.

Robert Bashara is not charged in his wife's death, but does face charges that he tried to hire a hit man to kill Gentz in jail.

Bashara's lawyer, David Griem, denies those charges and says his client claims it was a setup.

Griem Tuesday said it's "absolutely no surprise to anyone" that Gentz has been found competent on the second evaluation.

Griem said the competency issue is a "charade" being put on by Reed and prosecutors to buy time to negotiate a plea resolution and to bolster Gentz's credibility and believability with two reports declaring him competent.

"They have a friendly relationship in that regard…both sides are pointing their guns at Robert Bashara," Griem said.

Griem added he's certain his client will be charged in connection Jane Bashara's killing.

"It's just a question of when," he said.

Bashara was arraigned in June on charges of solicitation of murder on claims he paid one man and attempted to pay another to kill Gentz.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy has said "investigative sources" say Bashara wanted Gentz killed in jail because he didn't want him to testify. Lindsey previously said in court that Reed wanted the independent evaluation before entering into plea negotiations for Gentz.

cferretti@detnews.com

(313) 222-2069

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From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120711/METRO01/207110352/Hearing-today-Bashara-suspect

[Darkman]

Bob Bashara's lawyer loses bid to curb use of subpoenas that force witnesses to talk

July 11, 2012

By Joe Swickard
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer


Bob Bashara's attorney lost his bid Tuesday to rein in the use of investigative subpoenas by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

In a terse one-line order, the Michigan Court of Appeals denied attorney David Griem's request for an order of superintending control.

"I'm not surprised," Griem said Tuesday. "It's very difficult to get any type of relief with the Michigan Court of Appeals in any criminal case."

A request for superintending control is plea for a higher court to intercede because a lower court failed to perform a clear legal duty. The details of his request are not known because the motion was sealed when it was filed last month. But Griem had railed against what he considers an overly aggressive use of the subpoenas that require witnesses to talk with prosecutors.

Griem characterized the Prosecutor's Office as "out of control" in its efforts to gather evidence that Bashara was behind the January slaying of his wife, Jane Bashara of Grosse Pointe Park.

In a prepared statement, the Prosecutor's Office said the sealing of the motion prohibited discussion of its contents.

Bashara has not been charged in his wife's death, but he was arrested last month on a charge of attempting to get a hit man to kill Joe Gentz in the Wayne County Jail. Gentz, who told police he killed Jane Bashara at her husband's behest, is being held on murder charges.

A hearing on Gentz's mental competency to stand trial is scheduled for today in 36th District Court in Detroit. If he is found competent, it would enable his lawyer Susan Reed to open the door for negotiations with prosecutors.

Gentz, charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy, faces a mandatory life sentence without parole if convicted. Cooperation could lead to a lesser charge and a sentence carrying at least the possibility of parole.

Griem said he can't challenge the findings on Gentz's mental status.

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Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120711/NEWS01/207110353/Bob-Bashara-s-lawyer-loses-bid-to-curb-use-of-subpoenas-that-force-witnesses-to-talk

[Darkman]

Joe Gentz in court today for results of 2nd competency test results

Gentz charged in murder of Grosse Pointe Park mom Jane Bashara

Published On: Jul 09 2012 11:56:22 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 11 2012 06:20:53 AM EDT


DETROIT -
Handyman Joe Gentz will be back in court Wednesday for a formal hearing on the results of a second competency test.

Joe Gentz's attorney, Susan Reed, on Monday confirmed the finding of a court-sanctioned independent evaluation.

Gentz previously had been determined competent to stand trial by doctors at the state forensic center.

He's charged in the death of Jane Bashara, whose body was found in her Mercedes-Benz in Detroit in January. He's charged with murder and conspiracy.

Gentz did odd jobs for the victim's husband. Bob Bashara is not charged in his wife's death, but does face charges that he tried to hire a hit man to kill Gentz in jail.

Local 4 legal expert Todd Flodd said Gentz could accept a deal where he testifies against Bob Bashara.

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Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Joe-Gentz-in-court-today-for-results-of-2nd-competency-test-results/-/1719418/15457696/-/w4v03d/-/index.html

[Darkman]

Paul W. Smith AUIDO, Podcast (8:26)

July 11, 2012


Larry Dubin

(July 11) - University Detroit Mercy legal expert Larry Dubin talks with Paul W. Smith about the latest developments in the Jane Bashara case.

Listen

or

Download

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Source: WJR 760am

[Darkman]

Good link... - there are 3 separate videos there....

Judge declares Joe Gentz competent to stand trial in Bashara murder case

Posted: 07/09/2012
Last Updated: 1 hour and 35 minutes ago


---- TEXT & VIDEO (6:16) ----

(WXYZ) - A judge has declared that Joseph Gentz, the only man charged in the murder of Jane Bashara, is competent to stand trial.

Sources told 7 Action News Gentz had been found competent earlier this week.

During Wednesday's hearing the judge also set August 13 at 1:30 p.m. as the preliminary hearing.

Gentz is charged with First Degree Murder. He claimed he killed Bashara while being held at gunpoint by her husband Bob.

Bob Bashara is also in jail and is accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill Gentz, his former handyman.

Bashara was arrested on those charges in late June after an unidentified person reportedly told police he was contacted about arranging to murder Gentz.

Jane Bashara's body was found in the backseat of her SUV in Detroit in January. An autopsy found that she had been strangled.

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Read more: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/joe-gentz-found-competent-to-stand-trial-in-murder-of-jane-bashara

[Darkman]

Joe Gentz to stand trial in August on murder charge in death of Grosse Pointe Park mother

Family's handyman competent to stand trial, charged with murder, conspiracy

Published On: Jul 09 2012 11:56:22 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 11 2012 02:40:32 PM EDT

---- TEXT & VIDEO (2:18) ----

DETROIT -
The man who told police he was hired to kill Grosse Pointe Park mother Jane Bashara will go to trial on a murder charge.

Joe Gentz was found competent, for a second time, Wednesday and an Aug. 13 trial date was set.

Gentz previously had been determined competent to stand trial by doctors at the state forensic center. His attorney, Susan Reed, had requested a second independent evaluation - which also deemed him competent and aware.

UNCUT: Joe Gentz found competent to stand trial

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The rest is at the Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Joe-Gentz-to-stand-trial-in-August-on-murder-charge-in-death-of-Grosse-Pointe-Park-mother/-/1719418/15457696/-/wiji5yz/-/index.html

[Darkman]

UNCUT: Joe Gentz found competent to stand trial

Published On: Jul 11 2012 04:23:39 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 11 2012 04:47:23 PM EDT


---- VIDEO (6:08) ----

Joe Gentz to stand trial in August on murder charge in death of Grosse Pointe Park mother

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Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/UNCUT-Joe-Gentz-found-competent-to-stand-trial/-/1719418/15480786/-/xv6igy/-/index.html

[Darkman]

Joseph Gentz ruled competent to stand trial in Bashara murder case

4:05 PM, July 11, 2012

By Gina Damron and Joe Swickard
Detroit Free Press Staff Writers

Joseph Gentz, accused in the murder of Jane Bashara, arrives for his competency hearing before Kenneth King in 36th District Court in Detroit on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Gentz was found competent to stand trial and will next appear in court on Aug. 13 for a preliminary exam. / PATRICIA BECK/Detroit Free Press

Joseph Gentz — who told police he killed a Grosse Pointe Park woman at her husband’s behest — was found competent by a second psychological examination to stand trial.

Gentz, who appeared today in Detroit’s 36th District Court, could have a plea deal before his next scheduled preliminary examination on Aug. 13. His attorney Susan Reed and prosecutors are expected to start negotiating a plea agreement.

Reed said Gentz, who told police Bob Bashara offered him money to kill Jane Bashara, would be willing to testify against Bob Bashara if he is charged in his wife’s murder.

Gentz “is able to remember, his memory’s good, he’s able to function, you know, on his own and he’s able to listen to advice and that’s what he’s doing now,” Reed said after today’s hearing.

He was found competent by a court-approved independent examination, as well as by doctors at the state forensic center.

Reading from the report on Gentz’s independent exam, Reed said the doctor found there was no clear evidence of bipolar disorder – a condition he had previously been diagnosed with — but Gentz does have learning deficiencies. Reed said he does have an understanding of the situation and his memory appeared to be sound.

Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Lisa Lindsay said the state examination echoed the independent evaluation, finding that Gentz did not exhibit symptoms of bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or any other major psychiatric disorder.

Jane Bashara was found strangled Jan. 25 in her SUV, which had been dumped in an eastside Detroit alley.

Bob Bashara has not been charged in his wife’s death, but has been charged for allegedly trying to have Gentz murdered in jail. Gentz has been held at the William Dickerson Detention Facility in Hamtramck.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said at a news conference after Bashara was arrested in the solicitation for murder charge that he wanted Gentz dead “because he … didn’t want him to testify in any further proceedings, should there be any.”

Bashara’s alleged plot to have Gentz murdered could be a boon to prosecutors, experts say. Prosecutors could try to get details on the alleged hit-for-hire scheme admitted as evidence against Bashara in his wife’s murder as “a similar act.”

Some experts have questioned whether prosecutors will still need Gentz to testify.

Reed said she believes the alleged plot against her client “just shows that Joe was credible,” saying her client has said he was worried Bashara would try to harm him.

"They have reported that he said, you know, ‘My life is in danger. Bob’s going to try and, you know, have me killed,’” Reed said. “And see what happens: Bob gets charged with trying to have him killed.”

Contact Gina Damron: 313-223-4526 or gdamron@freepress.com

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Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120711/NEWS02/120711033/gentz-official-competency-hearing-bashara-case

[Darkman]

Second Competency Hearing Begins for Joe Gentz

Joe Gentz will appear in 36th District Court in a few minutes for his second competency hearing in the January strangulation death of Jane Bashara.

By Sara Eaton Martin, the author, 1:46 pm


The man charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the January strangulation of Jane E. Bashara will appear before Judge Kenneth J. King on Wednesday.

Joe Gentz has been in custody since early March when he was arrested and charged in Bashara's violent death. He had worked as a handyman for Bashara's husband, Bob Bashara, on rental properties he owns throughout the metro area.

Gentz has been evaluated twice to determine his competency to stand trial in the murder case. The results of the second, private evaluation will be revealed during this hearing in 36th District Court.

Meanwhile, Bob Bashara is also being housed in the Wayne County Jail on a solicitation of murder charge for trying to hire a hitman to kill Gentz while being housed at Dickerson lockup. He is being held on a $15 million cash bond.

The charge is similar to what Gentz alleges happened with Jane Bashara—he was hired to kill her by Bob Bashara for cash. Despite being identified as a "person of interest" in his wife's death in the days following the discovery of her body, he has not been charged in that case as of Wednesday afternoon.

Stay tuned for updates on the hearing.

-----------

Source: http://grossepointe.patch.com/articles/joe-gentz-to-have-second-competency-hearing

[Darkman]

Judge Rules Joe Gentz Competent to Stand Trial in Jane Bashara Homicide

A second competency evaluation completed by a private doctor found similar findings to that of the state doctor regarding Joe Gentz, who is charged in the January strangulation death of Jane Bashara.

By Sara Eaton Martin, the author, 3:28 pm


While Joe Gentz does have some intellectual deficits, none are so severe as to impact his decisions and understanding of the charges he is facing in the January strangulation death of Jane Bashara, according to findings by a second, private forensic psychologist who evaluated him.

The findings were released Wednesday afternoon in 36th District Court by Gentz's court-appointed attorney, Susan Reed. The psychologist, Charles R. Clark, found that Gentz does not exhibit signs of bipolar disorder, which had been a diagnosis earlier in his life. Nor does Gentz exhibit signs of psychosis or other psychiatric impairments, according to the findings Reed read in court.

Gentz demonstrated behavior and attention during the evaluation that the doctor considered normal and while "intellectual deficiencies do impact his life" none are so extreme that he does not understand his environment.

"(Gentz) is capable of making reasonable choices," Reed read from Clark's report, which went on to say he recalls the events associated with Jane Bashara, he understands the charges against him and has an elementary understanding of his rights.

He is charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, both of which carry sentences of up to life in prison.

The findings by Clark were similar to those of a state doctor who evaluated Gentz earlier this year—a point emphasized by deputy prosecuting attorney Lisa Lindsey on Wednesday.


Chief Judge of 36th District Court Kenneth J. King agreed with the findings of both doctors, declaring Gentz competent to stand trial. He scheduled a hearing for the preliminary exam in the case for Aug. 13.

After the hearing, Reed said outside the courthouse that now she intends to begin negotiations with the prosecutor's office on behalf of Gentz. She said negotiations have not begun thus far because of the pending competency evaluations. She requested the second evaluation to ensure Gentz protection if he had indeed had a psychological problem.

Gentz remains housed in the Dickerson Lockup facility in isolation, where he was placed after officials discovered Bob Bashara had allegedly attempted to hire a hitman to kill Gentz while incarcerated.

Bob Bashara—the widower of Jane Bashara—is now being housed in the Wayne County Jail on $15 million cash-only bond on a charge of solicitation to murder, which carries a prison term of up to life.

Though he was named as a "person of interest" in Jane Bashara's homicide in the days after her body was found, Bob Bashara has not been charged in that case. The solicitation charge lodged against him however is similar to the story Gentz told police regarding Jane Bashara's homicide—that Bob Bashara hired him to kill his wife for cash.

Bob Bashara is due back in 36th District Court on July 24 for a preliminary exam hearing. His attorney, David Griem, has told media that he believes Bob Bashara was set up and that the competency evaluations of Gentz have been intended to buy time for negotiations related to Gentz. Reed denies this, however.

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Source: http://grossepointe.patch.com/articles/judge-rules-gentz-competent-to-stand-trial-in-jane-bashara-homicide

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More photos: (click on Spoiler below to view)

Spoiler:

[Darkman]

Gentz found competent to stand trial in Bashara murder

By Mitch Hotts
mitch.hotts@macombdaily.com

Posted: 07/11/12 03:54 pm

(click on the pic, itself, to enlarge to it's FULL size)

Joe Gentz enters the courtroom for competency exam. Macomb Daily staff photo by David Dalton

A Detroit district court judge today ruled handyman Joe Gentz is mentally competent to stand trial for the strangulation of Grosse Pointe Park mother and businesswoman Jane Bashara, a move that will allow his defense attorney to begin plea-bargain negotiations with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Judge Kenneth J. King of the 36th District Court made the ruling after the court heard the findings of a report written by Dr. Charles Clark, a psychiatrist who had examined Gentz at the request of defense attorney Susan Reed.

“He clearly grasps the case against him and the possible outcomes,” Reed said while reading the findings in court.

The report’s findings echo a similar conclusion reached by Dr. Magro Gilbert of the state Community Health Department, said Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey.

Gentz has confessed to the strangulation of Jane Bashara, whose body was found Jan. 25 in her SUV in an alley on Detroit’s east side. He reportedly first told investigators that Bob Bashara, the victim’s husband, paid him to kill her but later changed his story to say Bob Bashara forced Gentz at gunpoint to kill the woman.

Bob Bashara has been charged with solicitation to murder for allegedly trying to arrange to have Gentz killed while locked up in Wayne County’s Dickerson Detention Facility, where Gentz is being held in isolation without bond.

Gentz will now have a preliminary examination on Aug. 13 to determine whether there is enough evidence to have him stand trial in the murder of Jane Bashara.

Reed said she hopes to have discussions with the prosecutor’s office over a potential plea bargain on the murder charge prior to the Gentz’s next court date.

Bob Bashara, who is being held on a $15 million bond in the Wayne County Jail, is due in court on July 24 on the solicitation charge.

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Source: http://www.macombdaily.com/article/20120711/NEWS01/120719937/gentz-found-competent-to-stand-trial-in-bashara-murder

[Darkman]

July 11, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Plea deal talks to move forward for handyman in Bashara case, attorney says

By Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News

Joseph Gentz enters the 36th District courtroom of Judge Kenneth J. King for his competency hearing Wednesday in Detroit. / John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

Detroit— The attorney for the handyman accused in the January killing of a Grosse Pointe Park woman said plea negotiations are expected to go forward now that her client has been found competent.

The competency hearing of Joseph Gentz held today in 36th District Court showed Gentz did not exhibit symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder, Gentz's attorney, Susan Reed said. The report also said Gentz, whose IQ has been measured from the high 60s to the low 70s with a score of 100 being average, was "capable of making decent choices."

Reed said the hearing shows that Gentz would be a credible witness against Robert Bashara, the husband of the slain woman, Jane Bashara. Gentz is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the Jan. 24 strangulation death of Jane Bashara. Robert Bashara is not charged in his wife's death, but he is charged with solicitation of murder on allegations he tried to hire a hit man to kill Gentz in jail to prevent the handyman from testifying.

Reed confirmed Monday that results from an independent mental review found her client competent to stand trial in the killing. A prior court-approved evaluation also found Gentz competent.

Jane Bashara's body was found Jan. 25 inside her SUV in Detroit.

Gentz, who did odd jobs for Jane Bashara's husband, Robert, has claimed the husband offered him $2,000 and a Cadillac to murder Jane.

Bashara's lawyer, David Griem, has denied the charges and says his client claims he was set up.

Griem on Tuesday said that it's "absolutely no surprise to anyone" that Gentz has been found competent on the second evaluation.

Griem called the competency issue a "charade" being put on by Reed and prosecutors to buy time to negotiate a plea resolution and to bolster Gentz's credibility and believability with two reports declaring him competent.

A judge set a preliminary examination date for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 13. Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey previously suggested there would be a possible plea agreement for Gentz, but added that Reed wanted the independent mental evaluation prior to entering negotiations.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's office has declined to comment about a potential plea deal.

Gentz, who court records say was previously diagnosed with bipolar and organic mood disorder, is being held at the Dickerson Detention Facility in Hamtramck.

Bashara is due in 36th District Court July 24 for a preliminary examination on the solicitation charges.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said several meetings took place between Bashara and one alleged hit man between June 8 and June 25. He also met with a second potential hit man, prosecutors said.

cferretti@detnews.com

(313) 222-2069

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From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120711/METRO/207110428

[Darkman]

Joe Gentz Ruled Competent For Trial In Bashara Murder Case

July 11, 2012 7:00 PM



DETROIT (WWJ) - The man accused in the death of Jane Bashara is competent to stand trial. This, an independent evaluation, was the second for Joe Gentz, who’s charged with murder and conspiracy in the Grosse Pointe Park woman’s death.

Gentz’s attorney Susan Reed explained what exactly the competence ruling means.

“It’s a quick process — he understands the role of the attorney, he’s willing to assist his attorney, to help his attorney …” Reed said.

Gentz reportedly has an IQ of 67. An average IQ is around 100.

“As the reports indicate, he does have some limitations. But he is able to remember – his memory’s good. He’s able to function, you know, on his own, and he’s able to listen to his advice,” she said.

Gentz has admitted to killing Jane, saying her husband, Bob Bashara, paid him to do it.

Reed said now that Gentz has been found competent a plea deal could be reached in which Gentz agrees to testify that Bob Bashara ordered the killing.

The body of the 56-year-old marketing executive and mother of two was found in her Mercedes-Benz SUV parked in a Detroit alley on Jan. 25. Her husband reported her missing the night before. An autopsy showed that she had extensive bruising to her upper body, a crushed windpipe and missing fingernails.

Bob Bashara isn’t charged with his wife’s murder, but he is charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill Gentz. He remains jailed on a $15 million bond.

Gentz had sometimes worked as a handyman for the Bashara family.

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Source: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/07/11/joe-gentz-ruled-competent-for-trial-in-bashara-murder-case

[Darkman]

Joe Gentz due back in court in Bashara Murder case


Read at the Source: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/19000853/joe-gentz-due-back-in-court-in-bashara-murder-case

===============================

Bashara Lawyer Makes Prediction





---- VIDEO (1:53) ----

Source: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7489183

===============================

Joe Gentz in Isolation for His Own Satety


---- VIDEO (3:14) ----

Source: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7492136

[Darkman]

DETROIT
July 11, 2012

Gentz found competent to stand trial in Jane Bashara murder case

By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

Despite what medical professionals acknowledged were some intellectual limitations and occasional impulse control issues, Joseph Gentz, 48, of Grosse Pointe Park, has been found competent to stand trial.

During a hearing July 11, 36th District Court Chief Judge Kenneth King concurred with these findings and declared Gentz competent to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the case of Grosse Pointe Park mother and marketing executive Jane Bashara, 56, who was killed at her home Jan. 24. Her body was discovered in her SUV the following morning in an alley in Detroit. Gentz has maintained that he killed Jane Bashara at the behest of her husband, Robert Bashara. Robert Bashara, who has been named a person of interest in his wife’s death, has been charged with hiring someone to kill Gentz in prison, a charge Bashara’s attorney refuted.

Susan Reed, Gentz’s court-appointed attorney, said Dr. Charles Clark, the Ann Arbor-based licensed and forensic psychologist retained for Gentz’s second competency evaluation, found that Gentz understood the charges against him and was “capable of making reasonable choices,” she told the court. He was not found to suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or psychosis, she said.

Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey said Clark’s findings are consistent with those of Dr. Margo Gilbert, the psychologist retained for the first competency evaluation.

After court, Reed said she would now begin negotiating a possible plea deal with the prosecutor. She denied previous reports that such negotiations had already started. Reed said Gentz has some intellectual limitations — his IQ has been shown to be in the range of 69 to the low 70s — but he understands the court process and can assist his attorney.

For his safety, she said Gentz has been kept in isolation at the William Dickerson facility in Hamtramck, and he has only been allowed to have visits from his attorney. Reed said Gentz had told people from the beginning he feared Robert Bashara would try to have him killed, so he “wasn’t surprised” when he heard about the alleged plot against him. She said Gentz “is relieved” Robert Bashara is now also behind bars.

At press time, a pretrial hearing for Gentz was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 13 before Judge Kenneth King. Reed acknowledged that it’s possible this might be waived if she and prosecutors could reach a plea bargain in the case before that date. She wasn’t sure how long these talks might take, but she was hopeful they might have an agreement soon. As to the terms of such an agreement, “I won’t speculate on the numbers,” said Reed, saying she only hoped to get “the best deal possible” for her client.

Robert Bashara, 54, of Grosse Pointe Park, was arraigned on the felony charge of solicitation of murder before 36th District Court Magistrate Charles Anderson on June 27. At press time, Bashara’s attorney, David Griem, said Bashara remained behind bars at the new Wayne County Jail in Detroit on a $15 million cash or surety bond.


You can reach C & G Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1047.

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Source: http://www.candgnews.com/news/gentz-found-competent-stand-trial-jane-bashara-murder-case

[Darkman]

Joe Gentz nearly mentally retarded but competent to stand trial in Bashara strangulation, judge rules

Published: Wednesday, July 11, 2012, 3:23 PM

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Read at the Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/07/joe_gentz_nearly_mentally_reta.html

=======================================================================

Handyman found competent to stand trial in slaying

Updated 03:37 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2012




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Read at the Source: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Handyman-found-competent-to-stand-trial-in-slaying-3699985.php

[Darkman]

July 12, 2012 at 1:00 am
Plea deal talks next for Gentz

By Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News


Detroit— The lawyer for a handyman who claims he was hired to kill Jane Bashara said Wednesday she hopes to move swiftly to cut a deal for her client now that he's twice been deemed competent for trial.

Joseph Gentz, who did odd jobs for Robert Bashara, has claimed the Grosse Pointe Park man offered him $2,000 and a Cadillac to murder his wife.

Gentz's attorney, Susan Reed, said she hopes to reach a plea deal in advance of her client's Aug. 13 preliminary examination on murder and conspiracy charges.

A plea agreement could clear the way for murder charges against Robert Bashara, who already is jailed on charges that he tried to hire a hit man to kill Gentz, according to some legal experts.

"Bob Bashara is in a tough spot," said Charlie Langton, a legal analyst and radio host on WXYT-AM (1270).

"For Gentz to be considered competent by not one doctor, but two, it now gives credibility to what he says. Now they'll likely bring charges against Bob Bashara for the death of his wife. The star witness will be Gentz."

Reed said the credibility of Gentz as a witness against Bashara "has been reinforced."

Reed said during a Wednesday competency hearing in 36th District Court that an independent mental evaluation showed her client, whose IQ has been measured from 69 to the low 70s — the average person's score is 100 — was "capable of making decent choices."

A prior court-approved evaluation also found Gentz competent.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has declined to comment about the potential plea.

When asked Wednesday if additional charges will be levied against Robert Bashara, Maria Miller, a spokeswoman for the Prosecutor's Office, said the Jane Bashara homicide case remains under investigation.

Reed said Gentz has been in isolation while jailed over fear that Robert Bashara would have him killed.

Bashara in June was charged with solicitation of murder on claims he met with an alleged hit man several times between June 8 and June 25.

Bashara's lawyer, David Griem, has denied the charges, contending his client claims he was set up.

Griem said a court order is in place barring him from discussing the solicitation case.

Griem said the charges are the latest disappointment following a series of "police leaks" that he says have poisoned a potential jury panel.

"It's one more in a series of disappointments that we've had to face," Griem said, noting two separate and distinct trials would be harmful to his client.

"It just seems that anything bad that could happen in this case has happened. It's very hard on Bob."

Reed said Gentz has told her a consistent story about the circumstances surrounding Jane Bashara's death, and she wants to get her client the "best deal possible."

Langton said plea bargaining for Gentz will likely include certain immunity for his testimony and a lengthy prison term.

"Gentz is not going to walk free," he said.

Prosecutors say the solicitation and homicide cases are separate, but Langton said trying the two together would strengthen their case against Bashara.

"There's a pattern of manipulation here that's conceptually easy for a jury to understand," he said.

Griem called the competency issue a "charade" being put on by Reed and prosecutors to buy time to negotiate a plea and to bolster Gentz's credibility and believability.

But Griem said the Bashara defense will be ready.

"When the bell rings and we've got to climb into the ring, we're going to climb in, play by the rules and present our case," he said.

"When all is said and done if the jury looks just at the evidence and the lack of evidence … Bob Bashara is going to walk out of the courtroom with me."

cferretti@detnews.com

(313) 222-2069

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From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120712/METRO/207120402#ixzz20OtUh55D

[Darkman]

Gentz is competent, evaluation finds

July 12, 2012

< SNIP >

David Griem, Bashara's attorney, said the hearing Wednesday was part of "a slow-motion charade" to build a case against Bashara, who has been charged with soliciting someone to have Gentz killed.

< SNIP >

Griem said the state and private evaluations of Gentz are an effort to enhance his credibility and believability if he takes the stand. It also has been a stalling tactic, Griem said.

"They needed time to negotiate for his testimony," Griem said. The prosecution has to make a good enough deal to get Gentz's cooperation, but so good "that it will look like the proverbial slap on the wrist," he said.

< SNIP >

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More at the Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120712/NEWS01/207120500/Gentz-is-competent-evaluation-finds

[Darkman]

Some might want to say, however, that Griem is FULL OF

[Darkman]

Is Bashara family backing Bob?

Published On: Jul 16 2012 06:18:25 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 16 2012 07:29:11 PM EDT

---- VIDEO (3:30) ----


Bob Bashara may not be getting the support from his family which was originally displayed.

---------

From the VIDEO: (thanks for those "quotes", juliekan)

"suffering from panic attacks and emotional breakdowns" brought on by him realizing he is losing support of his family. some of the family has seen the transcripts of him hiring the hit man to kill his hit man.

his daughter has not been to see him in jail.

his son has not been to see him, but did speak to him by phone.

his sister Laura is no longer supporting him; she also has discovered financial secrets hidden inside his home when he got locked up.

Griem is saying that the kids have not seen Bob because he doesn't want them to see him in jail. Not true say those close to the family.

------

Watch VIDEO at the Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Is-Bashara-family-backing-Bob/-/1719418/15566172/-/n6ow4p/-/index.html

[Darkman]

David Griem has requested he no longer represents Bob Bashara

Emergency motion filed; ruling could come Thursday on David Griem's request to drop Bob Bashara as client

Published On: Jul 18 2012 02:42:12 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 18 2012 07:09:06 PM ED

---- TEXT & VIDEO (3:18) ----

"Local 4 Defenders have learned exclusively that David Griem has filed an emergency motion to withdraw as counsel for Bob Bashara. The motion was filed Wednesday by the office of David Griem. A hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Thursday before 36th District Court Chief Judge Kenneth King."

-----

More at the Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/investigations/David-Griem-has-requested-he-no-longer-represents-Bob-Bashara/-/1719314/15592306/-/1tv1hqz/-/index.html

[Darkman]

David Griem asks to be removed as Bob Bashara's attorney

Posted: 07/18/2012
Last Updated: 17 hours and 14 minutes ago


---- TEXT & VIDEO (1:47) ----

GROSSE POINTE PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) - 7 Action News has learned the Bob Bashara's attorney David Griem is asking to have himself removed from the case.

Griem filed a motion in 36th District Court asking to withdraw from the case.

In his motion Griem writes, "There has been an irreparable breakdown in the attorney/client relationship as a result of which the undersigned move to withdraw as counsel."

It is not clear what Griem means by "an irreparable breakdown in the attorney/client relationship."

The motion will be heard in 36th District Court Thursday before Judge Kenneth King. The judge is expected to question both Griem and Bashara about the breakdown before deciding on the motion.

Bob Bashara has been charged with trying to have his former handyman Joe Gentz killed.

Gentz is charged with murdering Bashara's wife Jane. Gentz has claimed to investigators that Bob Bashara hired him to kill Jane, then forced him at gunpoint to strangle her in the garage of the Bashara's Grosse Pointe Park home.

Wednesday afternoon, Attorney David Griem declined an interview but released a statement to 7 Action News. A portion of that statement reads, "To comment would do neither Robert Bashara, the Bashara family nor the Englebrecht family any good. To say anything more would only intensify the media feeding frenzy which has made it difficult, if not impossible, for Mr. Bashara to get a fair trial, and therefore would not be in the best interest of justice".

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Source: http://www2.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/david-griem-asks-to-be-removed-as-bob-basharas-attorney

[Darkman]

Bob Bashara's lawyer wants to quit

Published On: Jul 18 2012 05:11:29 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 18 2012 05:34:25 PM EDT

----- VIDEO (3:18) -----

Local 4 Defenders have learned exclusively that David Griem has filed an emergency motion to withdraw as counsel for Bob Bashara.

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Watch VIDEO at the Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Bob-Bashara-s-lawyer-wants-to-quit/-/1719418/15595400/-/lqpbyaz/-/index.html

[Darkman]

David Griem, Bob Bashara's attorney, wants off the case

6:20 PM, July 18, 2012

By Joe Swickard
Free Press Staff Writer

David Griem, above, filed an emergency motion today to withdraw as counsel for Bashara. / File photo

In a terse six-line emergency motion that marks a fresh twist in the spotlighted murder case, high-profile attorney David Griem asked Wednesday to withdraw as Bob Bashara’s lawyer.

“There has been an irreparable breakdown in the attorney/client relationship,” he said in his motion that will be heard Thursday morning by Detroit 36th District Court Chief Judge Kenneth King.

The withdrawal wasn’t a shock to attorney Susan Reed, whose client, handyman Joe Gentz, said Bashara hired him to kill his wife. Bashara is currently jailed on charges that he tried to hire a hit man to kill Gentz, who is charged with murder and conspiracy in the January strangulation of Jane Bashara.

“I’m not surprised based on other cases,” she said, an apparent reference to the Stephen Grant case, in which Griem fired his client accused of killing his wife. “It did not seem as if he was in it for the long haul.”

Griem said high-profile cases can sometimes take twists and turns that make it difficult for an attorney to continue representing a client.

“The unfortunate thing for the attorney, the attorney can’t comment on those things so he’s left with not just one but both hands tied behind his back,” he said.

If the motion is granted, Bashara will be given the opportunity to hire another lawyer. If he doesn’t have the funds, he can ask the court to appoint a lawyer.

In addition to the attorneys at the Legal Aid and Defenders office, numerous private practice attorneys take court appointments in Wayne County criminal courts.

Gentz has told authorities he acted under Bashara’s control to carry out the killing in the Basharas’ home on exclusive Middlesex Road in Grosse Pointe Park. Bashara has not been charged with the death but has been call a suspect in court appearances.

Griem did not go into details about his split with Bashara, saying he wanted to avoid additional pain for the Barshara family and the Ellerbrecths, Jane’s family.

He also said he didn’t want to “intensify the media feeding frenzy which as made it difficult or impossible for Mr. Bashara to get a fair trial.”

His withdrawal, if granted, will not mean a total divorce from the Jane Bashara murder case. He faces a possible contempt of citation in a complaint brought by Reed for his issuing of unauthorized subpoenas to get Gentz’s work records and other information.

Griem hired Kenneth Mogill to represent him in the contempt matter. Mogill defended Mike Stefani against charges of professional misconduct in connect with his representation of Detroit police officers in their whistle-blower suit against former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

Contact Joe Swickard: 313-222-8769 or jswickard@freepress.com

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Source: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012120718054

[Darkman]

Bob Bashara's lawyer asks to be relieved of representing him

July 19, 2012

By Joe Swickard
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

In a terse six-line emergency motion that marks a fresh twist in the spotlighted murder case, high-profile attorney David Griem asked Wednesday to withdraw as Bob Bashara's lawyer.

"There has been an irreparable breakdown in the attorney/client relationship," he said in his motion that will be heard this morning by Detroit 36th District Chief Judge Kenneth King.

The withdrawal wasn't a shock to attorney Susan Reed, whose client, handyman Joe Gentz, said Bashara hired him to kill his wife. Bashara currently is jailed on charges that he tried to hire a hit man to kill Gentz, who is charged with murder and conspiracy in the January strangulation of Jane Bashara.

"I'm not surprised based on other cases," she said, an apparent reference to the Stephen Grant case, in which Griem fired his client, who was accused of killing his wife. "It did not seem as if he was in it for the long haul."

Griem said high-profile cases can sometimes take twists and turns that make it difficult for an attorney to continue representing a client.

"The unfortunate thing for the attorney, the attorney can't comment on those things so he's left with not just one but both hands tied behind his back," he said.

If the motion is granted, Bashara will be given the opportunity to hire another lawyer. If he doesn't have the funds, he can ask the court to appoint a lawyer.

In addition to the attorneys at the Legal Aid and Defenders office, numerous private practice attorneys take court appointments in Wayne County criminal courts.

Gentz has told authorities he acted under Bashara's control to carry out the killing in the Basharas' home on exclusive Middlesex Road in Grosse Pointe Park. Bashara has not been charged with the death, but has been called a suspect in court appearances.

Griem did not go into details about his split with Bashara, saying he wanted to avoid additional pain for the Bashara family and the Engelbrechts, Jane Bashara's family.

He also said he didn't want to "intensify the media feeding frenzy, which has made it difficult or impossible for Mr. Bashara to get a fair trial."

Griem's withdrawal, if granted, will not mean a total divorce from the Jane Bashara murder case. He faces a possible contempt of citation in a complaint brought by Reed for his issuing of unauthorized subpoenas to get Gentz's work records and other information.

Contact Joe Swickard: 313-222-8769 or jswickard@freepress.com

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Source: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012207190542

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Griem's Emergency Motion to Withdraw as Counsel

or view it HERE: (click on Spoiler below)

Spoiler:

[Darkman]

July 19, 2012 at 1:00 am
Bashara lawyers cite 'breakdown,' want off case

By Christine Ferretti and George Hunter
The Detroit News


Detroit — Robert Bashara's defense team wants off the case because of an unspecified breakdown.

Attorney David Griem and co-counsel Christina Utley filed an emergency motion Wednesday in 36th District Court seeking permission to step down as Bashara's attorneys.

A hearing is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. today before Chief Judge Kenneth King.

King said Griem will have to present a valid reason to quit the case. If the judge excuses Griem, Bashara may obtain other counsel.

Griem, in a statement released Wednesday, said "no useful purpose would be served" by the defense attorneys commenting on why the relationship with Bashara has ceased.

"Suffice it to say that there has been a breakdown in that relationship; a result of which required us to file a motion to withdraw as counsel to Mr. Bashara," Griem said.

"To say anything more would only intensify the media feeding frenzy, which has made it difficult, if not impossible, for Mr. Bashara to get a fair trial, and therefore would not be in the best interest of justice."

If the request is granted, this will be the second time in recent years Griem has withdrawn as counsel in a high-profile case.

He also represented Stephen Grant, but quit after Grant told him that he'd killed and dismembered his wife, Tara Grant.

"Things happen in a case like this and the attorney finds himself in a situation where it's like being in the ring with both hands tied behind your back," Griem told The News on Wednesday.

"There's nothing you can do (about) the criticism you receive in a situation like this when you know you've represented a client to the best of your ability, but you've reached a point where (stepping down) is better for the client, and that's what Christina Utley and I are doing here."

Griem said prior to filing the motion, he met with Bashara on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

"We shook hands and I'm going to assist successor counsel in any way that I can to get that attorney up to speed," Griem said.

Bashara is charged with solicitation of murder on allegations he attempted to hire a hit man to kill handyman Joseph Gentz, who is charged in the Jan. 24 killing of Bashara's wife, Jane.

Utley on Wednesday said she had been retained by Bashara in May before any charges were filed against him.

The defense team was assembled in anticipation of potential charges filed in connection with his wife's death, Utley said.

Griem's statement added that the attorneys "hope for two things."

"First, that the killer(s) of Jane Bashara is found and fully prosecuted under the law," he said.

"Secondly, but most importantly, that both the Bashara and Ellerbrecht families find some measure of peace as they continue to heal from the pain that has consumed their lives."

Maria Miller, a spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, said that Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey will appear in court for the motion hearing.

Miller said the Prosecutor's Office had no comment about the defense counsel's request to resign.

Gentz is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in Jane Bashara's death.

Jane's Bashara's body was found Jan. 25 inside her SUV in Detroit.

An autopsy revealed Jane Bashara died from strangulation.

Gentz, a St. Clair Shores resident who did odd jobs for Robert Bashara, has claimed the husband offered him $2,000 and a Cadillac to murder Jane.

Bashara was charged with solicitation of murder in June. Prosecutors say he met with an alleged hit man several times between June 8 and June 25 in an attempt to have Gentz killed in the Wayne County Jail.

Bashara is due back in court July 24.

Griem has denied the charges, contending Bashara claims he was set up.

Gentz is due in court for a preliminary examination on Aug. 13.

Two mental evaluations have deemed him competent to stand trial in Jane Bashara's killing.

Gentz's attorney, Susan Reed, has said the findings clear the way for plea negotiations and show that her client would be a credible witness against Robert Bashara.

cferretti@detnews.com

(313) 222-2069

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From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120719/METRO01/207190374#ixzz216QYKKli

[Darkman]

Bashara’s attorney wants to quit

By Mitch Hotts
mitch.hotts@macombdaily.com@mhotts

Posted: 07/19/12 12:01 am
Updated: 07/19/12 07:47 am

The defense team for Bob Bashara blames an “irreparable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship as the reason why they plan to withdraw from the case, according to court documents.

David Griem and co-counsel Christina Utley on Wednesday filed an emergency motion with 36th District Court Chief Judge Kenneth King and a hearing has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, according to a member of the judge’s staff.

“Suffice to say that there has been a breakdown in that relationship; a result of which has required us to file a motion to withdraw as counsel to Mr. Bashara,” the team said in a statement.

Since the Bashara case first began this past January, Griem has held a steady presence in media reports on the story, but did not want to speak in person to reporters on Wednesday, saying it would serve no useful purpose.

“To say anything more would only intensify the media feeding frenzy which has made it difficult, if not impossible, for Mr. Bashara to get a fair trial, and therefore would not be in the best interest of justice,” Griem said in the statement.

Maria Miller, a spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, would not comment on whether Prosecutor Kym Worthy objects to the move.

One legal analyst said Griem’s proposed departure was yet another surprise in the case that has taken many unusual twists and turns.

“This is a shocker to me,” said Sterling Heights attorney and radio talk show host Charlie Langton.

Langton, who has covered the Bashara case for WJBK-TV (Channel 2) for his morning talk show on WXYT-AM (1270), said there are two probable scenarios: Money or strategy.

“It’s obvious they’re fighting,” he said. “Maybe Bashara hasn’t paid Griem, for example. Or maybe Griem wants to do something Bashara doesn’t want to or vice versa. But Bob Bashara can’t have an attorney he doesn’t trust, that’s not good.”

Bashara is being held on a $15 million bond in Wayne County Jail on a charge with solicitation to murder Joe Gentz, the handyman accused of killing Bashara’s wife, Jane. Authorities say he tried to hire someone to kill Gentz, who is behind bars.

Gentz, who is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, is being held without bond in the Dickerson Detention Facility in Hamtramck. He allegedly has confessed to police that he strangled Jane Bashara at her husband’s behest.

Bob Bashara has denied he had anything to do with his wife’s murder, and claimed Gentz likely killed her as he had been trying to get money from the couple for months before her murder.

Grosse Pointe Park police have labeled Bashara as a person of interest in his wife’s slaying.

Langton said just because Griem has asked to be taken off the case doesn’t mean the judge will agree, especially with a preliminary exam for Bashara scheduled for a few days from now. But it could mean a delay in Monday’s hearing.

“With that hearing scheduled for next week, that could be a consideration for the judge not to release David Griem,” Langton said. “Judges don’t like to delay trials, they want to keep the process moving. This is too important of a case to start a bunch of delays.”

In their statement, Griem and Utley said they will refrain from commenting on the case until the Gentz and Bashara cases are fully litigated, but had a pair of final thoughts.

“In the meantime, we hope for two things,” the pair said. “First, that the killer(s) of Jane Bashara is found and fully prosecuted under the law. Second, but most importantly, that both the Bashara and Ellerbrecht families find some measure of peace as they continue to heal from the pain that has consumed their lives.”

This isn’t the first time Griem has sought removal from a high-profile case at a critical point.

In 2007, he terminated his attorney-client privilege with Stephen Grant, who was accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Tara Grant, in their Washington Township home. At the time, Griem said he felt it was “the best thing” as the two had irreconcilable differences, and he resigned while Grant was on the run from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. Grant was later apprehended, tried and convicted, and is serving a life sentence in prison.

“This is very unusual to me,” Langton said. “Most of the time your attorney is your best friend— maybe the only one who believes in you. This is like Stephen Grant all over again.”

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Source: http://www.macombdaily.com/article/20120719/NEWS01/120719572/bashara-s-attorney-wants-to-quit&pager=full_story

[Darkman]

Judge: David Griem must stay with Bob Bashara case

2:33 PM, July 19, 2012

By Gina Damron
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

David Griem, left, was denied his request to be removed from representing Bob Bashara, right, at 36th District Court in Detroit on Thursday, July 19, 2012. / SUSAN TUSA/Detroit Free Press

Despite his attempts to withdraw from representing Bob Bashara in a solicitation for murder case, attorney David Griem was ordered today to stay on the case for the preliminary examination.

During a hearing this morning, 36th District Court Chief Judge Kenneth J. King denied Griem's motion for himself and fellow attorney Christina Utley to withdraw. King told Griem to appear at Bashara's Tuesday exam.

Griem, who filed the emergency motion Wednesday, said his relationship with Bashara "is not now intact."

But King said Griem did not provide a good cause for withdrawing and he had concerns about pushing back the exam. He said it was in Bashara’s best interest for Griem to remain on the case.

If Bashara “wants to hire another attorney, I have no issue with that,” King said to Griem. “But that doesn’t mean you’re going anywhere. … You can assist, take the lead, whatever it is that you guys decide to do.”

Bashara, who is jailed on charges that he tried to hire a hit man to kill Joseph Gentz, the man charged with murder and conspiracy in the January strangulation of Jane Bashara, Bob Bashara’s wife. Bashara has not been charged in his wife’s murder, but has been called a person of interest.

Appearing in court, Bashara also expressed a desire for a new attorney.

He said that over the past several months, Griem “has been a little less effective than I hoped he would be.”

King said Griem had not given him "the substance of the breakdown" he had with Bashara.

"You just can't come in and say, 'I quit,' " King said. "It doesn't work like that."

Prosecutors said it was important to hold the preliminary exam on the scheduled date, in part because a key witness has health problems and has been hospitalized at least twice. Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Robert Moran said the witness has several health issues, including heart and gall bladder problems.

Griem, though, argued that the witness hadn’t been hospitalized since December.

Bashara, who was arrested June 25, is accused of paying a man — who wore a wire so authorities could record their conversations — to orchestrate Gentz’s murder in the William Dickerson Detention Facility in Hamtramck.

Gentz has told authorities he acted at Bashara's behest to carry out the killing in the Bashara's home on Middlesex Road in Grosse Pointe Park.

Prosecutors said that, before filing his motion to withdraw, Griem twice asked for the exam to be adjourned. Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Lisa Lindsay said she was concerned the motion to withdraw "is a delaying tactic."

Griem said this is not the case.

There was a mild eruption in court today after Moran said some witnesses feel their lives have been threatened. Griem, angered at the comment, said the prosecution and police have been leaking information and making it impossible for his client to receive a fair trial.

Bob Bashara's lawyer, David Griem, lashes out at Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Robert Moran during a hearing where Griem requested to be removed from the case at 36th District Court in Detroit, on Thursday, July 19, 2012. Judge Kenneth King admonished Griem for the outburst. He also denied the motion. / SUSAN TUSA/Detroit Free Press

When Moran interrupted, saying Griem’s comments went beyond the scope of the hearing, Griem retorted, sternly saying it was his turn to talk.

King told Griem there would be no more outbursts in court.

“Your honor,” Griem said, “the statements he just made … that was so highly inappropriate.”

Bashara told the judge he wanted a new attorney.

"I don't want to have to fire him in open court," he said of Griem.

Bashara told King he has the capability to hire another attorney.

Griem said Bashara has meetings scheduled with attorneys today and Friday. But King said, even if Bashara hires an attorney, he wants Griem to be at the preliminary examination since a new attorney would likely not be ready to proceed by Tuesday and since he knows the case.

Bob Bashara listens to the proceedings Thursday, July 19, 2012. He told the judge he wanted a new attorney. / SUSAN TUSA/Detroit Free Press

In another issue, Lindsay said Griem had provided copies of discovery materials to Bashara’s relatives, despite an order of protection saying the materials could not be shared with third parties. She said materials were found by a family member.

Griem said he did share information with Bashara's mother and another person. He will have to appear at some point for a show cause hearing on that issue.

He will also have to appear on a separate contempt matter, which was scheduled for a show cause hearing Friday, but is being rescheduled. Susan Reed, Gentz’s attorney, is asking that Griem be held in contempt of court for using unauthorized subpoenas to try to obtain her client’s work records and other information.

After today’s hearing, Griem said it's not uncommon for attorneys and clients to part ways, nor is it uncommon for preliminary examinations to be adjourned to later dates.

He said he and Bashara decided Tuesday to part ways.

“I think this is like divorce,” Griem said, adding this type of thing “happens every day.”

Staff Writer Joe Swickard contributed to this report.

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Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120719/NEWS02/120719037/1001/news

[Darkman]

David Griem denied request to quit as Bashara's attorney

Bashara comes to Griem's defense despite request to quit in court

Published On: Jul 19 2012 12:09:23 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 19 2012 12:47:15 PM EDT

---- VIDEO (3:38) ----



David Griem remains Bashara's attorney despite his request to part ways in court on Thursday.

-------

Watch at the Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/David-Griem-remains-Bashara-s-attorney-for-now/-/1719418/15606452/-/nnbnltz/-/index.html

[Darkman]

Judge shoots down David Griem's request to drop Bob Bashara as client

Griem, Bashara say their relationship isn't working

Published On: Jul 18 2012 02:42:12 PM EDT Updated On: Jul 19 2012 12:39:48 PM EDT

---- TEXT & VIDEO ----


GROSSE POINTE PARK, Mich. -
David Griem will remain Bob Bashara's attorney - for now.

During a hearing Thursday before 36th District Court Judge Kenneth King, Griem requested he be granted withdrawal as Bashara's counsel because the two's relationship was "no longer in tact."

Griem said he and Bashara met three times in the last four day and had “lengthy discussions” about the situation.

“We are on different paths, different wavelengths,” Griem said.

He stressed that the request to part ways was being made by both parties.

“This is a client and an attorney, asking the court to sanction the divorce, to sanction the severance of the attorney-client relationship,” Griem said.

Griem said Bashara is already planning on meeting with two new potential attorneys Thursday and Friday.

When asked about specifics on what the two were disagreeing on, Griem said he would not share the reasoning in open court because he didn't feel comfortable talking about in front of the prosecution.

He then went on to say Bashara would never get a fair trial.

"The reason this man can't get a fair trial in the state of Michigan is police leaks and prosecution leaks," Griem said.

But the judge expressed concerns that bringing a new attorney before Bashara's preliminary exam wouldn't work, and that just because the two weren't getting along, wasn't a good enough reason for him to walk away from the case.


Bashara came to Griem's defense.

"In the last seven months since my wife's murder, Mr. Griem has spent a good portion of his time dealing with police leaks, police misconduct, prosecutorial misconduct and a number of things that have affected my ability to be treated fairly and to get a fair trial," he said.

Bashara also said he cares about Griem's reputation and doesn't want to make the situation worse.

"I don't want to fire him in open court," Bashara said.

Slideshow: David Griem in court (a dozen or so pics there)

---------

Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/investigations/Judge-shoots-down-David-Griem-s-request-to-drop-Bob-Bashara-as-client/-/1719314/15592306/-/4iqnc5z/-/index.html

[Darkman]

Judge denies Griem's motion to be removed from Bashara murder case

Posted: 10:11 AM
Last Updated: 10 minutes ago


---- TEXT & VIDEO (3:30) ----

(WXYZ) - A judge has denied a motion filed by Bob Bashara's attorney David Griem requesting that he be removed from the case.
36th District Court Chief Judge Kenneth King questioned both Griem and Bob Bashara and ruled that Griem did not have sufficient reason to be removed from the case.

"I have to have something. You cant just come in and say I quit. It doesn't work like that," said Judge King

Bob Bashara says he does't want Attorney David Griem representing him. Prosecution questioned the move suggesting it was a delay tactic.

They say a key witness is scheduled to testify at a preliminary exam on Tuesday, and that witness has a life threatening illness. They said delaying the exam could compromise the case. They also said that several witnesses have voiced fear for their lives. Prosecutors said by getting their testimony on record, justice and people will be protected.

In his motion filed Wednesday Griem writes, "There has been an irreparable breakdown in the attorney/client relationship as a result of which the undersigned move to withdraw as counsel."

Bob Bashara has been charged with trying to have his former handyman Joe Gentz killed.

Gentz is charged with murdering Bashara's wife Jane. Gentz has claimed to investigators that Bob Bashara hired him to kill Jane, then forced him at gunpoint to strangle her in the garage of the Bashara's Grosse Pointe Park home.

---------

Source: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/watch-live-david-griem-motion-to-be-removed-from-bashara-murder-case-to-be-heard

[Darkman]

Judge Denies Attorney’s Request To Drop Bashara Case

July 19, 2012 4:00 PM



DETROIT (WWJ) – During a lengthy and contentious debate, Detroit Judge Kenneth King rejected attorney David Griem’s request to be removed from the Bob Bashara case.

King said Griem didn’t have cause to get out of the case after Griem refused to elaborate on the “breakdown” with his client. King suggested that Bashara hire a second – or even third attorney — to work with Griem to keep the case moving.

The judge said he was afraid a change in representation would unnecessarily delay the case. He added it wasn’t in Bashara’s best interest to change attorneys at this point. Griem argued it wouldn’t be fair for him to represent Bashara at an upcoming preliminary examination and then switch attorneys before trial.

“The point is your honor, I look at the preliminary examination as the foundation for trial,” Griem said. “I have things I do that other attorneys wouldn’t do and vice versa.”

King wasn’t convinced.

A handcuffed and disheveled Bashara said a few words during the hearing when the judge asked if he had the capability to hire another attorney. “Yes,” he said, adding, “I think I do.” He later argued with the judge about releasing Griem, saying he wants new representation.

“He has become a little less effective than I would have hoped he could be,” Bashara told the judge. “He’s a very accomplished attorney, but I feel that it’s important that I get the best possible representation given the circumstances.”

Griem said Bashara had new attorney interviews already set up for Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

At the request of Wayne County prosecutors, another hearing was for Friday to see if Griem violated a court order in disclosing certain material connected to the case to a member of Bashara’s family.

In a statement sent to WWJ Newsradio 950 Wednesday, Griem cited an “irreparable breakdown” in the relationship with his client. Griem said it would “serve no useful purpose” to reveal the reasons behind his withdrawal, saying it would only add to “the media feeding frenzy” that will make it difficult for Bashara to get a fair trial.

The judge said during Thursday’s hearing that Griem, who’s held several press events and given unusual statements, shouldn’t focus on the media.

Bashara is charged with trying to have his former handyman Joe Gentz killed after Gentz admitted to police he murdered Bashara’s wife Jane — allegedly at her husband’s behest.

The body of Jane Bashara, a marketing executive and mother of two, was found in the back of her Mercedes-Benz SUV parked in an alley at Pinewood and Annott in Detroit on Jan. 25.

Griem has withdrawn from a high-profile murder case before. He dropped defendant Stephen Grant before the Macomb County man, in 2007, was convicted of second-degree murder for killing and dismembering his wife, Tara.

So, which side wants to ditch the other in this case? Griem said the decision to part was mutual, though Bashara said in court he was worried about Griem’s reputation.”

“I don’t want to fire him in open court,” Bashara added

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Source: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/07/19/judge-denies-attorneys-request-to-drop-bashara-case/

[Darkman]

July 19, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Judge tells Bashara lawyer to stay on case in client's 'best interest'

By Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News

Griem, in a statement released Wednesday, said “no useful purpose would be served” by the defense attorneys commenting on why the relationship with Bashara has ceased. (David Coates/The Detroit News)

Detroit— A judge on Thursday denied a motion by Robert Bashara's attorneys to be removed from the case, after prosecutors called the request a delaying tactic, and Bashara complained his attorney was ineffective because of prosecutors' and media's actions.

Attorney David Griem and co-counsel Christina Utley filed an emergency motion in 36th District Court Wednesday citing an unspecified breakdown in the attorney-client relationship in seeking permission to step down as Bashara's attorneys.

Chief Judge Kenneth J. King, who presided over Thursday's emergency hearing, denied the request because he said the attorneys didn't provide a compelling reason.

"I want you to represent Mr. Bashara," King told Griem. "I believe it's in his best interest. You can assist, take the lead … whatever you want to do."

After the judge denied Griem's request, Bashara asked to address the court, which King allowed.

"My feeling, given all the circumstances of these last seven months (is that Griem) has become a little less effective than I hoped he could be," Bashara said. He later added, "I'm satisfied with Mr. Griem," but said his attorney was not as effective as he could be because of the media and prosecutors.

"It's been terrible," Bashara said. "I've been treated terribly by the media and prosecution."

Griem asked twice to have Bashara's scheduled July 24 preliminary examination adjourned. Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey accused Griem of trying to delay the case. King also denied the adjournment request.

Griem was ordered by King to appear in court for a show-cause hearing after the attorney admitted he shared discovery information with Bashara's mother and another relative. Griem said he didn't realize sharing the information violated a court order. No date has been set.

In another development Thursday, it was revealed in court that a key witness in the case has health concerns. Prosecutors said it's important to hold the preliminary exam on time because the witness had heart and gall bladder problems and a contagious virus that resulted in his being hospitalized. King agreed and ordered the exam to be held on time.

Bashara chimed in, claiming that the witness in question hadn't been hospitalized since December.

"It's not like he's at death's door," Bashara said of the key witness.

Griem, in a statement released Wednesday, said "no useful purpose would be served" by the defense attorneys commenting on why the relationship with Bashara has ceased.

"Suffice it to say that there has been a breakdown in that relationship; a result of which required us to file a motion to withdraw as counsel to Mr. Bashara," Griem said. "To say anything more would only intensify the media feeding frenzy, which has made it difficult, if not impossible, for Mr. Bashara to get a fair trial, and therefore would not be in the best interest of justice."

Griem's request to be removed from the Bashara case marks the second time in recent years Griem attempted to withdraw as counsel in a high-profile case. He also represented Stephen Grant, but quit after Grant told him that he'd killed and dismembered his wife, Tara Grant.

"Things happen in a case like this and the attorney finds himself in a situation where it's like being in the ring with both hands tied behind your back," Griem told The News on Wednesday.

Griem said prior to filing the motion, he met with Bashara on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

"We shook hands, and I'm going to assist successor counsel in any way that I can to get that attorney up to speed," he said.

Bashara is charged with solicitation of murder on allegations he attempted to hire a hit man to kill handyman Joseph Gentz, who is charged in the Jan. 24 killing of Bashara's wife, Jane.

Gentz is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in Jane Bashara's death. Her body was found Jan. 25 inside her SUV in Detroit.

Gentz, a St. Clair Shores resident who did odd jobs for Robert Bashara, has claimed the husband offered him $2,000 and a Cadillac to murder Jane.

Bashara was charged with solicitation of murder in June. Prosecutors say he met with an alleged hit man several times between June 8 and June 25 in an attempt to have Gentz killed in the Wayne County Jail.

Griem has denied the charges, contending Bashara claims he was set up.

cferretti@detnews.com

(313) 222-2069

----------

Read at the source from The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120719/METRO01/207190434

[Darkman]

Attorney’s request to withdraw from Bashara case denied

"Griem can't quit Bashara, but will only assist"

Posted: 07/19/12 11:38 am

Judge Kenneth King of 36th District Circuit Court in Detroit denied David Griem’s request to withdraw as attorney for Bob Bashara, Thursday.

Bashara is being held on a $15 million bond in Wayne County Jail on a charge with solicitation to murder Joe Gentz, the handyman accused of killing Bashara’s wife, Jane. Authorities say he tried to hire someone to kill Gentz, who is behind bars.

Griem cited “irreparable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship as the reason why they plan to withdraw from the case, according to court documents.

Griem will be forced to represent Bashara at a hearing next Tuesday. The judge will allow Bashara to hire a new attorney whom Griem will have to assist as advisory council.

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Source: http://www.macombdaily.com/article/20120719/NEWS01/120719519/griem-can-t-quit-bashara-but-will-only-assist

[Darkman]

Judge denies Bashara's attorney's request

Posted: Jul 19, 2012 4:13 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 19, 2012 4:13 PM CDT

By Amy Lange


---- TEXT & VIDEO (2:18) ----

(WJBK) -
David Griem isn't going anywhere. That's the ruling from a Wayne County Judge.

Griem had requested to be taken off the Jane Bashara murder case. He's the lawyer for Jane's husband, Bob Bashara. The judge says Griem needs a better reason than the one he gave.

In court on Thursday, Bashara also told the judge he wants Griem off his case, saying he has become a little less effective than he had hoped for.

Prosecutors say it's all in an effort to delay Bashara's preliminary exam, which is scheduled for Tuesday.

Bashara is currently behind bars on charges he attempted to hire a hit man to kill Joe Gentz. Gentz is the handyman charged with the first degree murder of Bashara's wife. Gentz claims Bashara hired him to kill his wife.

Griem has already tried to have the preliminary exam delayed twice, but prosecutors turned down both requests citing concerns about witnesses.

For now, the preliminary exam will continue as scheduled. Bashara can hire another attorney, but Griem has to stay on the case until he does.

Prosecutors also want Griem held in contempt of court for sharing documents related to Bob's arrest with his mother - documents that were supposed to be under seal. They were recently discovered by Jane's sister at Bob Bashara's house.

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Source: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/19068219/judge-denies-basharas-attorneys-request

[Darkman]

Griem denied motion to leave Bashara

Posted: Jul 19, 2012 11:20 AM CDT
Updated: Jul 19, 2012 12:56 PM CDT

By myFOXDetroit.com Staff

DETROIT (WJBK) -
A 36th District Court judge has denied a motion by attorney David Griem to withdraw from representing Bob Bashara.

On Wednesday, David Griem filed an emergency motion notifying Detroit's 36th District Court he wished to withdraw as Bashara's attorney. In the paperwork, he cited a breakdown in the relationship with Bashara.

In the motion Griem wrote: "There has been an irreparable breakdown in the attorney/client relationship."

Bashara is currently behind bars on charges he attempted to hire a hit man to kill Joe Gentz, the handyman charged with the first degree murder of Bashara's wife. Gentz claims Bashara hired him to kill his wife.

Legal analyst Charlie Langton says if Griem wants off the case, he's going to have to give the judge a better reason than a relationship breakdown. Langton also says it's a "big deal" that Griem filed the motion just days before the preliminary exam.

It appears Langton was right. Judge Kenneth J. King said Griem didn't provide a compelling reason to withdraw. King also had concerns about pushing back the exam after prosecutors said a key witness in the case had health problems.

King went on to say: "You just can't come in and say, 'I quit.' It doesn't work like that."

Bob Bashara sat in court during today's hearing and he has indicated that he wants a new attorney.

For the now Griem remains Bashara's attorney.

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Source: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/19065180/griem-denied-motion-to-leave-bashara

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