2nd Competency Exam Ordered For Murder Suspect Joe Gentz
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A handyman charged with strangling a Grosse Pointe Park woman has been found mentally competent but will undergo a second test.
A Detroit judge approved the request Tuesday by Joseph Gentz' defense attorney Susan Reed. "I do believe that there are issues there that the doctors found there, and I just want them explored," she said.
Gentz, who is charged with murder and conspiracy in Jane Bashara's death, did not speak at Monday's hearing.
Court documents indicate that Gentz has an IQ of 67. An average IQ is around 100.
Reed indicated she wants to make sure Gentz is competent before negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors. If a deal is reached, Gentz's testimony could be used against an as yet unnamed co-conspirator, whom is believed to be Jane's husband Bob Bashara.
Bob Bashara denies any role in his wife's death, while acknowledging he had a mistress. His alleged girlfriend filed a personal protection order against Bashara after his wife's death.
Bob Bashara hasn't been charged, but police continue to describe him as a "person of interest."
Gentz, who did odd jobs for the family, is in jail in the death of the 56-year-old mother of two. Her body was found in the back of her Mercedes-Benz SUV in a Detroit alley on Jan. 25.
Reed said her client is doing OK in jail, after reports of outburts.
"He seems to be doing very well ... you saw him in court," Reed said. "Of course he's nervous; of course he's anxious, because he's involved in this type of case."
The next court hearing is set for July 2.
Meantime, yard signs are appearing in the Pointes that call for "justice" for Jane Bashara.
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