Attorney: Bob Bashara On Suicide Watch
GROSSE POINTE (WWJ) - The attorney for Bob Bashara said the Grosse Pointe businessman has been placed on suicide watch following his Monday arrest for solicitation of murder.
Speaking to WWJ's Marie Osborne, Bashara's attorney David Griem said his client is unstable and completely confused after being arrested for allegedly trying to solicit someone to kill handyman Joseph Gentz -- the man charged with killing Bashara's wife, Jane.
"In a state that I would describe almost as despondency, I indicated to police officials that I was worried about his wellbeing, and I believe that they put him on a suicide watch," said Griem.
Bashara is currently being held in the Wayne County Jail and Griem said he expects arraignment to take place on Wednesday.
Griem said Bashara was in "complete disbelief" and responded "this is a setup" when told about the charges Monday. He said Bashara denied any knowledge of any kind of plot.
"His belief is that the prosecutor's office was going to charge him no matter what, and that they found another vehicle or way in which to charge him," said Griem, adding that the idea his client would try to kill Gentz, especially while he is locked up, is crazy.
"Something out of 'Mission: Impossible' to try to get into a facility such as the Wayne County Jail to carry out a hit. It just doesn't make sense," he said.
Grosse Pointe Park Police would not comment and a spokeswoman for Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said there would be no comment from the prosecutor's office.
Griem said he is very interested in learning about the evidence police have regarding Bashara's arrest.
"It's not often that I find myself speechless but this is one of those occasions, I was completely surprised," he said.
The body of Jane Bashara, a 56-year-old 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. 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.
In March, authorities charged Gentz with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the death of Jane Bashara. Gentz reportedly told Grosse Pointe Park investigators back in January that he was hired to kill Jane Bashara and paid by her husband.
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.
An email message has been left for Gentz's attorney Susan Reed.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.
