Appeals Court Overturns Convictions in Dearborn Family Dollar Store Killings

DEARBORN, MI — The Michigan Court of Appeals on Wednesday announced a 3-0 decision overturning the conviction of a man accused of killing two people who worked at a Family Dollar store in Dearborn in July 2013 and ordered a new trial.

Lavere Bryant was accused of killing Joseph Orlando and Brenna Machus, both 20. Orlando’s body was discovered in the store on Michigan Avenue near Outer Drive, and Machus’ body was discovered in a wooded area near the Southfield Freeway.

Bryant was a former co-worker of the the two.

The appeals court said the jury was prejudiced by testimony that wasn’t relevant, including his prior convictions, his status as a sex offender and his penchant for pornography.

The court said the testimony was “highly distracting” and not relevant to the murders.

Image: Police handout