Bob Bashara Sentenced To Life In Prison

Bob Bashara was convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison, for the 2012 death of his his wife. Michigan authorities said the former businessman hired Joseph Gentz to kill Jane Bashara and leave her body in a Detroit alley.

In the course of investigation, authorities learned Bob Bashara was heavily involved in bondage, domination, and sadomasochism (BDSM). As Jane was not interested in her husband’s alternative lifestyle, Bob became involved with another woman.

As reported by MLive, Bob met his girlfriend, Rachel Gillett, on a website catering to those interested in BDSM. According to reports, Gillett served as a “slave,” and referred to her lover as “Master Bob.”

Authorities said Bob Bashara was in the process of purchasing a home, where he planned to live with Rachel Gillett and another unnamed “slave.” However, he and Jane were still married.

Authorities believe Bob had his wife killed to avoid divorce proceedings. Jane Bashara’s body was found two days before Bob was scheduled to close on his new home.

Despite evidence to the contrary, Bob Bashara denied any involvement in his wife’s murder. As reported by Detroit Free Press, Joseph Gentz admitted that he strangled Jane to death. However, he said Bob forced him to commit the crime.

Gentz, who is developmentally challenged, said Bob offered him money to kill his wife and dispose of her body. Although he was reluctant to commit murder, Gentz said Bob “threatened to kill him” if he did not follow through.

In exchange for his testimony against Bob Bashara, Gentz was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to a minimum of 17 years. However, he later refused to testify against his former employer. Gentz’s conviction and sentence will be reviewed during a follow-up hearing.

Prior to his sentencing, Bob Bashara once again proclaimed that he loved his wife “dearly” and did “absolutely nothing to harm” her.

USA Today reports that Jane’s sister, Julie Rowe, also addressed the court prior to sentencing.

“Bob lied to all of us. Bob manipulated all of us. Bob utterly betrayed all of us… Every moment will be all the more sweet knowing that you are uncomfortable, miserable, alone and in prison where you belong for the rest of your pathetic life.”

Although he plans to appeal the court’s decision, Bob Bashara is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison.

[Image via New York Post]