Brother takes the stand in Patrick Mikes case

TROY, Mich. (WXYZ) - Defendant Patrick Mikes Jr. listened  Monday as his younger brother testified that Patrick had a tense relationship with their father Patrick Mikes Sr., describing ongoing verbal fights over money.

On the morning of July 27, the 16-year-old says that after he woke up, his brother told him he’d had a fight with his dad overnight about a credit card.

By the next day, the teen realized his father was missing. Patrick said he would drive around searching, while the younger brother called local hospitals.

The boys didn't call friends or relatives, but they eventually called police on Sunday. Despite police finding evidence of a bloody and violent crime in the basement, the high school student testified he’s a heavy sleeper and never heard anything suspicious.

 Mikes Sr.'s body was found in a Montrose cornfield 10 days later, and area resident Bruce Bunn testified he saw what could have been the Mikes Infiniti nearby days earlier.

The medical examiner also testified Monday that Patrick Mikes Sr. was killed by at least four blows from an oblong object--like a baseball bat. The judge said he’ll make a decision on whether there’s enough evidence to send this case to trial next week.