DETROIT – Bob Bashara's power and ability to intimidate his inner circle was revealed Thursday in court.
William Schatz, a former tenant of Bashara's, said he is still scared of Bob Bashara, but he did help investigators early on after hearing on the news that Bashara allegedly offered handyman Joe Gentz a used Cadillac to kill his wife.
Schatz called the cops. That Cadillac in question was parked outside the apartment he rented from "Big Bob."
Robert Fick, a.k.a. Pony Tail Bob, is another one of Bashara's former handymen. Fick admitted he lied to investigators early on to cover up Bashara's relationship with his mistress Rachel Gillett. He said he was scared of what Bob may do to him.
The court also heard from a jail employee who helps inmates make contact with those on the outside. Bashara desperately wanted to reach out to his mistress Gillett, but that wasn't going to happen on this woman's watch.
Testimony will continue Monday.
Special Section: Jane Bashara murder investigation
Backstory:
Jane Bashara was found strangled on Jan. 25, 2012 inside her SUV that was parked in a Detroit alley, a few miles from the family's Grosse Pointe Park home.
Gentz, who worked as a handyman for Bob Bashara, has pleaded guilty to killing her, but saying he did so at her husband's behest.
Bob Bashara is already in prison after being convicted of trying to hire a hit man to kill Gentz.
Gentz will not testify in the trial against Bob.