DETROIT (AP) — A man sentenced to life in prison for arranging his wife’s killing so he could devote more time to cavorting with other women who shared his love for sexual bondage and domination wants a new trial.
A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15 before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Vonda Evans, who presided over Bob Bashara’s trial. The 57-year-old known as “Master Bob” says he was denied a fair trial and his lawyers weren’t effective. He’s repeatedly declared his innocence.
Jane Bashara was found dead in 2012 in her Mercedes-Benz in a Detroit alley, miles from the couple’s home in Grosse Pointe Park, an upper class suburb.
Prosecutors say Bob Bashara coerced handyman Joe Gentz strangle his wife and to abandon the body. Gentz is in prison for second-degree murder.