Body of Missing Dearborn Family Dollar Clerk Found in Wooded Area

This story was reported by Daniel Lai.

1:05 p.m.:
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the body found in a wooded area near the Southfield Freeway and Michigan Avenue on Thursday morning is that of Brenna Kathleen Machus. The 20-year-old Romulus woman went missing from the Family Dollar store on Michigan Avenue on Monday. Patch has not been able to confirm the Free Press report with the Dearborn Police Department. According to the newspaper, an autopsy is scheduled for Friday at the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office.

10:25 a.m.:
Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad has confirmed that a female body has been found in Dearborn, but not confirming it is that of a Romulus woman missing since Monday.

"This morning at about 8 a.m. we recovered the body of a female, unknown in identity," Haddad said.

According to Haddad, the clothing was similar to what Brenna Kathleen Machus was wearing.

When the chief was asked if he felt confident that the body belonged to the woman he was looking for, he responded: "I feel rather enraged that we have another homicide in Dearborn at this time."

He said the investigation is ongoing and thanked media for support and the public for assisting with tips.

"Citizen participation has been great," Haddad said, stating that one of the last two shoppers who were at the store has contacted the police. They are still looking for another customer. If she does not come forward soon, police will post a picture so that the public can help identify her.

While the body was found in the vicinity of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, Haddad said it had not been hit by a train.

Earlier today, a woman describing herself as the mother of Machus' ex-boyfriend, came to the scene. She said Machus is a "sweet, quiet girl" who was looking to get her career together. She said that is the reason Machus broke up with her son, and that the pair remain friends. They met at the Family Dollar store in Dearborn.

9:38 a.m.:
Fox 2 News is reporting that a female body has been found in the area of Michigan Avenue and Southfield Freeway in Dearborn.

Eleven officers are walking west near the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks and scouring the ground. Three dogs are also on the scene, according to Patch Local Editor Daniel Lai.

Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad is expected to address the media shortly.

9:22 a.m.:
Patch Local Editor Daniel Lai is headed toward Southfield Freeway and Michigan Avenue in Dearborn where there are reports that police are actively pursuing leads possibly related to Brenna Kathleen Machus.

Machus, who worked at the Family Dollar Store on Michigan where a Dearborn man was found dead, has been missing since Monday.

Crime Stoppers is offering $11,100 in reward money for information that leads to finding Machus, of Romulus.

The area is blocked off. Stay with Patch for updates.

Community Editor Brooke Tajer contributed to this report.