DEARBORN– On Wednesday, July 24, police arrested a suspect in the murder of two Family Dollar Store employees that took place in Dearborn last week.
Lavere Bryant, 34, was arraigned in front of Judge Sam Salamey, in the 19th District Court and charged with eight counts, including two for first-degree murder, one count of unlawful imprisonment and one count of armed robbery.
Joseph Orlando, 20, was fatally shot at the Family Dollar store on Michigan Ave. in west Dearborn on July 15. His coworker Brenna Machus, 20, was abducted and killed later on. Her body was found in a wooded area, near the service drive of the Southfield Freeway by Michigan Avenue, three days later.
The court entered an automatic non-guilty plea for the suspect, awaiting a preliminary hearing on July 31, when he can enter his own plea, after the prosecution presents the evidence against him in front of the judge.
The suspect will remain in police custody until the preliminary hearing. Because of his criminal record, no bond was set for him. He has a prior conviction of criminal sexual conduct and assault, causing great bodily harm.
Judge Salamey read to Bryant the charges brought against him and informed him of his rights.
The victims’ family members, who were in attendance, were visibly emotional. A woman held Orlando’s picture, and Machus’ father was shaking.
The suspect, who appeared to know the workings of the legal system, most likely because of his prior convictions, appeared calm. He asked to see the warrant for his arrest and requested a state-appointed attorney.
“I didn’t murder anybody,” he muttered on his way out of the courtroom.

Bryant.

Bryant will be transferred to the Wayne County Circuit Court for trial after the parliamentary hearing.  In the event that not enough evidence is presented against him, he may be released.
“We are thrilled,” said Jamie Machus, the father of Brenna Machus, after the arrest. “The pain is still there, but this will help us get through grieving process.”
Jamie told The Arab American News that his late daughter knew the suspect but was, in no way, dating him, because she would never date somebody that much older than her.
“He was somebody she was nice to,” said Brenna’s brother Ryan Machus, adding that she always brought guys she was interested in immediately to her parents’ house, so that they could judge his character.
He said his sister was clean and never drank, or had anything to do with drugs.
The father said that the family was protective of Brenna, who was set to begin college in August. Ironically, Brenna wanted to be a crime scene investigator.
Her brother described her as “strong and driven.”
The Machus family thanked the community for their help and support and the media for keeping the crime in the public eye.
“I received hundreds of messages of support on Facebook from people all over the world,” said Ryan. “Dearborn is a great city, with an amazing police force.”
Dearborn Chief Ron Haddad said that there were no winners in the case, but that Dearborn now is a “safer place” after Bryant’s arrest.
The chief did not reveal whether, or not, the police know the motive for the crime, or if Bryant was acting alone, stating that the investigation is still ongoing.
He added that citizen tips were instrumental in leading to the arrest.
“The crime shocks the conscious of any civilized human being. People called and ran to the police station to give us tips,” he said.
Haddad thanked the media for reporting on the story, during a time when much attention was focused on Detroit’s bankruptcy filing. He also thanked Mayor Jack O’Reilly, Jr., various divisions of the City and the County, and state and federal law enforcement agents who helped with the case.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy echoed Haddad’s sentiment in stating, “Everything about this case is extremely upsetting. This was not an easy case to put together,” she said. “I commend all of the tenacity of the Dearborn Police Department and am grateful for the help from the public and media.”