- Posted August 26, 2016
- Tweet This | Share on Facebook
Murder convictions overturned in slayings
![](/Content/LegalNews/images/article_db_image1.jpg)
DEARBORN (AP) - The Michigan appeals court has overturned murder convictions and ordered a new trial for a man accused of killing two people who worked at a suburban Detroit store.
The court says in a decision released Wednesday that Lavere Bryant's trial was spoiled by testimony that wasn't relevant to the charges against him.
He was accused of killing Joseph Orlando and Brenna Machus, both 20, in 2013. They worked at a Family Dollar store in Dearborn. Bryant was a former co-worker.
During the trial, jurors heard about Bryant's prior convictions, his sex offender status and viewing of pornography. The appeals court says the testimony was "highly distracting" and not related to the slayings.
Prosecutors say Bryant will remain incarcerated as they seek an appeal to the state Supreme Court.
Published: Fri, Aug 26, 2016
headlines Oakland County
headlines National
- This Los Angeles lawyer found her calling as a death doula
- ACLU and BigLaw firm use ‘Orange is the New Black’ in hashtag effort to promote NY jail reform
- Artificial intelligence tools for brief writing and analysis are a small firm litigator’s new best friend
- Baker McKenzie partner drops suit seeking IRS documents on partnership scrutiny
- Family members sue networks after learning of loved ones’ deaths by seeing bodies on TV
- Ex-BigLaw attorney once ‘consumed with remorse’ over $10M client theft sentenced in new scheme