Family of Missing Family Dollar Employee Plea for Her Safe Return

DEARBORN — Family members of a missing woman are asking for the community's help in identifying a person of interest who may be involved in the homicide/abduction case involving employees at the Family Dollar store on Michigan Avenue that took place on Monday.

Joseph Orlando, 20, of Dearborn was found dead inside the store, located at 22631 Michigan Ave., on Tuesday morning by officers after employees opening the store called 911 upon finding the store in disarray. The store's assistant manager, Brenna Machus, 20, of Romulus, also went missing on Monday night, and police believe that she may be in danger.

The families of Orlando and Machus held a press conference with the Dearborn Police and Crime Stoppers on Wednesday to announce a cash award for any information that leads to the arrest of a suspect and/or the return of Machus.

"I just want my friend back," Jennifer Forte, a friend of Machus said. "Everyone who knows Brenna knows how kind-hearted she is. If anyone has any bit of information, anything at all, please call Crime Stoppers."

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

Additionally, a reward of $2,500 is being offered for any information that might lead to the arrest of a suspect. There is an additional $1,000 reward if that arrest comes by midnight tonight.

John Broad, president of Crime Stoppers, said all information can be reported confidentially.

"We take great strides to protect the identity of anyone who calls us," he said. "When a tipster calls, they receive a number and their report is forwarded to the Dearborn Police Department."

Broad said tipsters are encouraged to call back to Crime Stoppers on the third Thursday of the month. If an arrest has been made based on information the tipster provided, Crime Stoppers will arrange a confidential drop off location for the reward money.

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad is asking for two women who were shopping in the store between 7:25 and 7:35 p.m. Monday to come forward and help tell authorities about anything unusual they may have seen.

"They are not suspects," Haddad said. "We just need them to help establish a timeline for our investigation. We have a pretty good idea who they are, but we don't have their names or addresses."

Haddad said police officers are working with Michigan State Police and federal investigators to help solve the case. Haddad said he could not speak to possible motives for the crime.

"We as a community will never tolerate such a violent crime," he said. "We will do everything we can to bring the families of Brenna and Joseph some closure and justice."

Dearborn Police released a surveillance video and photos of a person of interest waving his arm as he entered the store Monday night with a hood over his head.

Anyone with information on the case can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, or the Dearborn Police tip line at 313-943-3012.