Joe Gentz In Fight For Custody Rights
MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) - A child custody hearing for Joseph Gentz, the handyman who reportedly confessed to the murder of a Grosse Pointe Park woman, has been adjourned for two weeks.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Beth Fisher reports that the 48-year-old Gentz, who was not present in court on Friday, will still not be allowed his one-hour weekly supervised visits with his developmentally disabled daughter.
The Assistant Prosecutor Mark Richardson and an attorney for the 10-year-old girl are concerned that Gentz, who is also developmentally disabled, will discuss the Jane Bashara case with his daughter. They say that would upset the child.
Richardson pointed out that Gentz is linked to a murder. But Gentz's attorney argued that his client has not been charged with any crime, calling the allegations a "feeding frenzy" in the media.
Macomb County Judge Kathryn Viviano wants to hear from the child's therapist.
Gentz faces a termination of parental rights hearing in April.
Meantime, no charges have been filed in the death of 56-year-old Jane Bashara, found strangled in her car last month. Gentz allegedly has told police that Bob Bashara paid him to kill his wife.
Bob Bashara continues to deny any involvement.
