KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — The Todd Maneke murder trial has begun.
Maneke is charged with open murder for the beating death of 88-year-old neighbor Alfred Minka, who was attacked with a hammer four years ago.
Prosecutors say the suspect was addicted to crack and had financially ruined himself and his wife with the habit. He had been borrowing money from the victim and allegedly used Minka’s car on the night of the murder to buy drugs.
The defense says there is no DNA or forensic evidence linking Maneke to the violent murder, and that Minka’s children benefited financially from his death.
Testimony is set to resume today.
The 43-year-old Maneke has been held on $500,000 bond since his arrest.
