GUILTY MI - Jane Bashara, 56, dies in contract killing, Grosse Pointe Park, 25 Jan 2012 #5

[WildChild]

FREEP REPORTER GINA DAMRON - COURT TWEETS, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2014

McCarthy asked Olsen how long, after the investigation started, it took for him to learn about the sex dungeon. Olsen said he didn't know.
Under questioning, Olsen said that when he met with Bashara and Bashara asked whether it was true about the strangulation, he didn't provide him information.
No further questions from McCarthy.
Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey questioning Olsen on redirect.
Olsen said that it was after Bashara was named as a person of interest that he implicated Gentz.
Evans asked Olsen if he found it uncommon that a lawyer would write a letter and hand deliver a letter like that to police. This is in reference to the letter John Brusstar wrote.
"I've never had it done," Olsen said.

Lindsey asked Olsen about Bashara giving part truths.
Olsen testified that he expects a person would mention it if they had been harassed.
Olsen said Bashara never mentioned to him that Gentz had been harassing him
Lindsey asked Olsen if everything reported in the media was true. Olsen said no.
"That I think we all can agree on, right?" Evans said.
Photographs of Jane Bashara in the vehicle are being shown. Lindsey, using a coat, is demonstrating how the coat is on Jane's arms.

 

[WildChild]

George Hunter ‏@GeorgeHunter_DN · Detroit, MI

Lisa: "Is everything that's reported in the media true?"
Olsen: "No."
Judge: "That I think we all can agree on."
They're again showing picture of Jane in her SUV.
Now Lindsey is demonstrating how Jane's coat was draped on her body
The arms of the coat are up to her elbows, with the back of the coat facing her front.
Also the coat was upside down.
The best way to describe how she's wearing the coat: It's kind of like Snuggies, where your arms go through and the opening is in back
Only the arms are only inside the coat up to the elbows.
Lindsey reiterated that Bob only told cops about Gentz after Bob was named as a person of interest
McCarthy pointing out that Gentz didn't call Bob until the 28th, and Bob's attorney's letter was on the 29th
McCarthy: "This is not just any old case. Jane Bashara's murder was getting a lot of attention."
McCarthy said it's not uncommon for a suspect in a high-profile case to hire a lawyer
Judge asking if it's unusual that the letter was addressed to Chief David Hiller in GPP, instead of him, the officer on the case.
There's some wrangling over how Jane's coat was placed on her body.
McCarthy says someone could pull the back of his coat over the back of his head, and it would be positioned like Jane's coat was.

 

[WildChild]

FOX2 REPORTER AMY LANGE - COURT TWEETS, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Now we are seeing these photos of Jane's body in the backseat.
Her arms are stuffed into a coat - like you were putting the coat on from the front - not the normal way you would put on a coat
Now Lindsey talking asking Olson about phone records - January 26th 2012
McCarthy - also asking about the phone records and did Olson have them when he interviewed Bob, - No
McCarthy says - No question that phone call from Joe Gentz doesn't come until the 28th - then the letter on the 29th.
That's correct
Olson had said it's unusual that a lawyer would bring a letter to the police station.
McCarthy pointing out that it's really not that unusual and that if he had a lawyer, the lawyer would have to be the one to do the communicating

(I think you also have to take into account that an attorney bringing a letter to GPP's Chief Hiller might seem unusual to Olson who works for DPD - which is a MUCH bigger police department where that would probably never happen.)

Now back to the coat Jane was wearing - there is some confusion about which arm is in which sleeve
They are putting the photograph back up

 

[WildChild]

FREEP REPORTER GINA DAMRON - COURT TWEETS, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2014

McCarthy questioning Olsen again.
Talking about the letter again.
Olsen testified that the letter was addressed to the chief of the Grosse Pointe Park Department of Public Safety.
Judge Evans asked Olsen if that was unusual the letter was addressed to the chief instead of Olsen, the investigator on the case.
McCarthy asking about the coat.
McCarthy suggesting that maybe the coat was pulled over Jane's head
Picture of Jane Bashara in the SUV being shown again.
Olsen it appears that the coat was placed on Jane backward
McCarthy asked if it appeared Jane's arms were crossed underneath her body. Picture put back up. Olsen said correct.

 

[WildChild]

EDITED: I'm back!! I guess I didn't really miss much after signing off, but the final proceedings are posted below.
Have a nice weekend everyone!

***friends.....i have an appointment to get to soon.***
signing off here for now.
Will resume my postings when i get back.
Thanks!

 

[Bravo]

Thanks WildChild for posting

 

[WildChild]

George Hunter ‏@GeorgeHunter_DN · Detroit, MI

McCarthy says someone could pull the back of his coat over the back of his head, and it would be positioned like Jane's coat was.
Lindsey asking if Bob felt threatened by Gentz, why didn't he ask for protection from cops
We're done with Olsen. Judge said we'll do one more witness, "then I've got a special witness outside the presence of the jury."
Judge again instructing the jury to say "ugghh." Then: "I will see you Tuesday at 9:30."

Trying to follow along. Judge said to bring the special witness out. It's Frances Natale, Gentz's friend
Natale's attorney said she has a niece, sister and 2 friends in the court she can stay with.
Asst. Pros. Moran saying she'll call her first thing Tuesday.
Judge: "I can't hold her like that." Set bond at $100k, 10 percent.
Her attorney says that's too much for her family; asking for a tether.
Judge: "Assuming she tampers with the tether, where are we?"
Judge said, "I don't know if her testimony is important..."
Moran answered, "She is."
Judge saying there were numerous attempts to get Natale into court, and that she said she didn't want to come in.
Holding fast on 100k bond
After testimony Tuesday, Natale will be immediately released.

Today's hearing is over. See you Tuesday

 

[WildChild]

FOX2 REPORTER AMY LANGE - COURT TWEETS, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Now back to the coat Jane was wearing - there is some confusion about which arm is in which sleeve
They are putting the photograph back up. Olson says it's on backward.
McCarthy is done

Lisa Lindsey has some questions
Judge says - was there any call for special attention to be placed on the Bashara house
No
Lindsey - no call for special attention after this call from Gentz - or immediate message to look for this person - Joe Gentz?
No
It was several hours between this phone call and a lawyer drafting a letter.
Yes
There was significant time between Bashara realizing Joe Gentz might have killed his wife and police being notified
Done with Olson.

Jury dismissed for the day - no court Monday - back on Tuesday

Judge telling attorneys she wants them to work on exhibits and stipulations - they say they will and expect to have a lot of them
(this is a good thing because that could mean we shorten things up a bit)

Okay - jury and Bob are gone. Bringing out a special witness now. Remember Frances Natale?
She has been in custody for a couple weeks because she ignored her subpoena in this case
We think she has a bond hearing today
She still has not testified but will do so next week it sounds like
Remember there was testimony about her earlier this week.
She's the one who drove Joe Gentz away from the McDonald's when he called and said he needed to be picked up the night of the 24th of January

Frances Natale's attorney wants her to be able to be released and go home with some relatives.
Robert Moran says they have concerns about releasing her.
Judge says she is giving her a bond - $100,000 10%.
Her attorney says that's a lot of money for his client - could she have a personal bond and a tether.
Judge says "what if she tampers with the tether? This is a very complicated case and there have been numerous attempts to have her come in.
I am not saying she does not have any bond. I am saying she has to post $10,000 and wear a tether. She will be done on Tuesday and be released."
Judge pointing out that there were numerous attempts to get Frances Natale to appear. If she posts $10,000 she will be released

The big question for Frances Natale is - what did Joe Gentz tell her?
Sounds like we will find that out on Tuesday.

Thanks for following along! We will have a wrap up for you on Fox 2 News at 5!
See you back here at the blog on Tuesday!

 

[WildChild]

FREEP REPORTER GINA DAMRON - COURT TWEETS, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Olsen it appears that the coat was placed on Jane backward
McCarthy asked if it appeared Jane's arms were crossed underneath her body. Picture put back up. Olsen said correct.
No further questions for Olsen.

Evans said court wont' be going Monday.
The trial resumes Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Sounds like there's still something else happening today outside of the presence of the jury.
Evans said a special witness is being brought out.
Frances Natale being brought out.
Natale is the witness who was jailed.
Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Robert Moran said Natale is going to be called to testify Tuesday.
Judge Evans set the bond at $100,000, 10%, which means she has to post $10,000.
Evans said that, upon testifying, Natale will be released.
Attorney Kareem Johnson was representing Natale.

Thanks, everyone, for reading. The trial resumes Tuesday morning.

 

[Bravo]

Again I really appreciate the posting. I'm still on the lousy Desktop and toggling back and forth causes freezing and shutdowns. I'm about ready to go in and get my lappy and take it elsewhere. He hasn't even called and was to days ago. K-end of rant. Anyhoo I will be attending Trial next Thursday. Hopefully Big Bob doesn't collapse again LOL

 

[Bravo]

Laptop mother board is shot. So when time permits shopping for a new laptop. Attending Trial Thursday for sure now.

 

[Woe.be.gone]

On Friday, November 7, 2014, the thirteenth day of testimony, the 37th witness,

Donald Olsen, DPD Homicide Investigator, was cross-examined by bb's Attorney, Michael McCarthy.


No court on Monday, November 10, 2014.

 

[Woe.be.gone]

On November 6th, I typed "David" in error (should be "Donald") Olsen. Sometimes I suffer from a foggy brain - sorry!


Bravo, can't wait to read about your experience in court. Keeping my fingers crossed for a glitch free day!


WildChild, you're the bomb! We appreciate the tedious work you do here. Your effort makes the testimony accessible and easy to read. Thank you very much.

 

[WildChild]

Bravo - Sorry to hear about your laptop pooping out on you. Been there. Done that
Looking forward to hearing about your in-court experience.

Woe - Thanks for your kind words. I'll be here Tuesday night to update this site.
Real life duties tomorrow outside of the house

 

[Kadoober]

Love this!: On the stand is Therese, a potential 'Third' for BB and Rachel.

Amy Lange - Fox 2: Bob was concerned about what was being said about him in the media and on a website called Hinkymeter - he thought police and investigators were monitoring that website.
Amy Lange - Fox 2: He asked her to put posts on the Hinkymeter website.

Another fun nugget of WTH....

Amy Lange - Fox 2: She goes on to talk about him being so involved in Rotary and participating in a flash mob to end polio in Chicago.

(just the idea of him wanting to end POLIO, let alone flashing anything... ohmylanta)

ETA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0a-5XbYNJc

3:46-3:48

 

[Grammy717]

Does anyone know why that "Therese" (former Chicago cop?? REALLY?) was crying when she left the stand? Because she missed her flight?

Gotta tell ya -- that judge is making me nuts. I find myself yelling at the computer whenever she interjects one of her not-too-brilliant questions to a witness.

 

[WildChild]

COURT TWEETS - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

GEORGE HUNTER - DETROIT NEWS REPORTER - ‏@GeorgeHunter_DN
Happy Veterans Day! #bobbashara just came into court wearing shades; he told his attorney he had surgery
Bob told judge: “I had a little eye surgery yesterday. My right eye is what I had the work done on."
Bob: Bob told judge: "The glasses help because of my sensitivity to light. Hopefully tomorrow I won’t have to wear them.”

MARIE OSBORNE - WWJ NEWS REPORTER - ‏@marieosbornewwj
#bobbashara enters court wearing large sunglasses. We may get explanation@WWJ950 @CBSDetroit
#bobbashara says he had eye surgery yesterday. Tells judge she 'looks blurry' but he feels ok@WWJ950

AMY LANGE - ‏FOX2 NEWS REPORTER
Testimony to start in trial of #bobbashara - why sunglasses? @FOX2News
Bob here in court - says he had eye surgery yesterday - he is wearing sunglasses due to sensitivity to light.
Judge Vonda - listen you keep those glasses on as long as you want to keep those glasses on

ELISHA ANDERSON - REPORTER ‏@elishaanderson
Bob Bashara's trial has resumed this morning. He showed up wearing dark sunglasses and said he had surgery yesterday on his right eye.

 

[WildChild]

COURT TWEETS - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014
GEORGE HUNTER - DETROIT NEWS REPORTER - ‏@GeorgeHunter_DN

They're calling a witness out of order: GPP Police Lt. James Hoshaw
The Lt. was the night supervisor on Jan 30-31, 2012
Lt. Hoshaw met two guys in the police lobby: Last names Fritch and Virgona.
They told him about Joe Gentz.
Fritz and Virgona told him some vague info about Gentz, who was outside smoking a cigarette.
Gentz came in, “we shook hands, I asked Mr. Gentz if it was his desire to turn himself in. He did say yes.”
Hoshaw on Gentz: “He indicated that he was in fear for his life. I placed him in protective custody.”
Gentz had an abrasion on the left side of his face. "He appeared nervous," the lieutenant said.
When the lieutenant said things like "he answered in the affirmative," and mentioned his "abrasion," the judge called that "cop speak"
Bob's attorney Mike McCarthy cross-examining the lieutenant.
Hoshaw on Gentz's friends: "It was as though they couldn't repeat word-for-word Mr. Gentz's story to me."
Lt. Hoshaw's testimony is done.

Because of all the witness shuffling, Lisa Lindsey asked for a short break, which was granted.

 

[WildChild]

COURT TWEETS - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014
MARIE OSBORNE - WWJ NEWS REPORTER - ‏@marieosbornewwj

#bobbashara listens to testimony of GPP police Officer James Hoshaw.
Officer James Hoshaw testifies about the night Joe Gentz turned himself in "he said he was afraid for his life" @WWJ950
#bobbashara looks at police photo of Joe Gentz that shows a long scratch on his cheek. @WWJ950

 

[WildChild]

COURT TWEETS - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014
ELISHA ANDERSON - REPORTER ‏@elishaanderson

Bob Bashara's trial has resumed this morning.
He showed up wearing dark sunglasses and said he had surgery yesterday on his right eye.
Wayne County Circuit Judge Vonda Evans told Bashara: "You keep those glasses on as long as you want to keep those glasses on."

Witness 38: Lt. James Hoshaw with the Grosse Pointe Park Police Department.
He was working the night Joseph Gentz came to police station.
Gentz was with two other men. "He indicated he was in fear for his life," Hoshaw said. He did not say who he was afraid of.
Gentz was put in protective custody, which means he was in a jail cell but could leave if he wanted. He was not arrested.
Gentz appeared nervous and had a scratch on the left side of his face, Hoshaw said.