Murder convictions overturned in slayings

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