Crime & Safety

Pre-trial Hearing Set Wednesday for Family Dollar Homicide Suspect

Prosecutors will present findings to Judge Sam Salamey to determine if there's enough evidence to send Lavere Bryant to trial in Wayne County Circuit Court.

DEARBORN — A pre-trial hearing for Lavere Bryant, 34, of Dearborn, will take place in the 19th District Court before Chief Judge Sam Salamey on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

Bryant is accused of killing Family Dollar employees Joseph Orlando of Dearborn and Brenna Machus of Romulus on July 15. He was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with unlawful imprisonment and armed robbery.

Bryant is a previously convicted sex offender, and will be subject to Michigan's habitual offender statute. The habitual offender charge stems from a 1999 conviction for second-degree criminal sexual conduct and a 2001 conviction for assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

He is currently being held without bond at the Wayne County Jail.


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