Joe Gentz Ruled Competent For Trial In Bashara Murder Case
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.
