Joe Gentz' credibility the question in possible new trial for Bob Bashara

DETROIT (WJBK) - Bob Bashara was convicted of killing his wife and sentenced to life in prison, but stunning revelations from the man who confessed to killing Jane Bashara for Bob may mean a new trial.

Handyman Joe Gentz has changed his story, again. Gentz, like Bob, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison but said that Bob had nothing to do with Jane's murder in a new court filing.

In the two-page affidavit signed by Joe Gentz, he says Bob owed him money for fixing a pipe in his backyard and doing a painting job. When Bob didn't pay, Gentz said he was going to steal something from Bashara as payment.

"I broke into his home, walked into the garage and Mrs. Jane Bashara caught me and I lost control," the affidavit says.

Gentz then goes on to explain how he strangled Jane, put her body in the back of her Mercedes and took her to Detroit: "Mr. Robert Bashara was completely innocent and... Mr. Robert Bashara was not even in the house when I killed his wife," he wrote.

"Whether there's merit or not, I'd have to hear them actually testify and - if the court sets an evidentiary hearing - hear him testify and understand and listen to the body language," defense attorney Todd Perkins said.

If the judge orders Gentz to testify, his credibility could be in doubt, which would be crucial for Bob.

Gentz originally said Bashara paid him to murder his wife, and now says Grosse Pointe Park police coerced Gentz to nail Bashara.

Judge Vonda Evans has set a Feb. 11 hearing, and Gentz may be the star witness.