Bob Bashara

Case background

More background & key dates

A Wayne County jury convicted Bashara of murder and related offenses on December 18, 2014. On January 15, 2015, he was sentenced to life without parole. The available viewing sequence contains instructions, both opening statements, four closing-argument parts, the verdict and sentencing. It does not contain the witness-testimony portion of the trial.

Compiled by Trial Empire with AI assistance · Sources checked November 11, 2026 · Sources & corrections

Key dates

January 2012
Jane Bashara was killed; her body was found in Detroit. Source ↗
December 18, 2014
The jury convicted Bob Bashara of murder and related charges. Source ↗
January 15, 2015
The court imposed life without parole. Source ↗

Collection scope & recording notes

Bob Bashara was prosecuted in Michigan over the killing of his wife, Jane, whose body was found in Detroit in January 2012. Prosecutors accused him of arranging the killing through handyman Joe Gentz. Bashara denied responsibility. Nine recordings: eight Croaker Queen trial uploads and FOX 2 Detroit’s sentencing coverage. This is a partial archive, not a day-by-day full trial. Witness testimony and the separate 2015–16 hearings requesting a new trial are excluded. 9 recordings, approximately 6 broadcast hours. Original source titles and credits are retained. LIVE in a title refers to the original broadcast. Recordings can contain breaks and broadcaster commentary; this is not a certified complete court record.

THE VIEWER’S GUIDE · 2014 Michigan trial highlights · 2015 sentencing

Watch with a question in mind.

How do the two sides frame the evidence in their openings and closings? Remember that witness testimony is not included in this collection.

Compiled by Trial Empire with AI assistance · Sources & corrections

Find your place.

Watch the openings →
Hear the opening statements, then follow the labeled recording list.
Watch the verdict →
Jump to the verdict recording. This reveals the outcome.
Go to sentencing →
Watch FOX 2 Detroit’s January 15, 2015 sentencing coverage.

Before you watch

Why does the list jump from openings to closings?

The available original-trial collection contains instructions, openings, closings and the verdict, rather than the witness-testimony days. The later “new trial” videos concern a request for a new trial, not a second jury trial, and are excluded.

What is included in this collection?

Nine recordings: eight Croaker Queen trial uploads and FOX 2 Detroit’s sentencing coverage. This is a partial archive, not a day-by-day full trial. Witness testimony and the separate 2015–16 hearings requesting a new trial are excluded.

Is this the official complete court record?

No. This is a collection of available recordings. Uploads may contain breaks, commentary, edits or omissions. Original titles and credits are preserved; LIVE refers to the original broadcast. This guide describes the historical proceedings, not current appeal status.

BRING THIS TO THE ROOM

Start with a question.

How do the two sides frame the evidence in their openings and closings? Remember that witness testimony is not included in this collection.

Join the chat →

Discuss the evidence respectfully. Avoid personal information and unsupported accusations.

Sources & further reading

Recording shortcuts use this collection’s existing source labels. No unverified timestamps or hearing dates have been added.

2014 trial · Defense Opening Statements

The viewing order.

2014 trial · Jury Instructions

2014 trial · Prosecution Opening Statements

2014 trial · Defense Opening Statements

2014 trial · Closing Arguments - Part 1

2014 trial · Closing Arguments - Part 2

2014 trial · Closing Arguments - Part 3

2014 trial · Closing Arguments - Part 4

2014 trial · Verdict

2015 sentencing · January 15

Bob Bashara

Jury Duty

2014 trial · Defense Opening Statements

The viewing order.

2014 trial · Jury Instructions

2014 trial · Prosecution Opening Statements

2014 trial · Defense Opening Statements

2014 trial · Closing Arguments - Part 1

2014 trial · Closing Arguments - Part 2

2014 trial · Closing Arguments - Part 3

2014 trial · Closing Arguments - Part 4

2014 trial · Verdict

2015 sentencing · January 15