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Search Steps Up For Missing Dearborn Woman, Who May Have Been Kidnapped During Robbery

DETROIT (WWJ) The search continues in Dearborn for a missing woman — a Family Dollar employee — who may have been kidnapped after a fellow employee was shot to death Monday night during a robbery.

The brother of 20-year-old Brenna Macchus is angry.

Machus Brenna
Brenna Machus

"I think they might be using that as a plea bargain, I don't know, all it is is speculation," Ryan Macchus said. "We've talked to a lot of my sister's friends, we've gotten leads, we've tried to contact police about it, it just seems like it's getting nowhere."

This is what police know: Brenna was working with another employee, Joseph Orlando, who was found shot to death inside the store. Brenna Macchus cell phone was at the scene. Customers found the store in disarray early Tuesday, and spotted Orlando's body.

family dollar suspect
A suspect is seen on a security camera image. (Provided by Dearborn police)

Police said, with the investigation in its early stages, it's still unclear if a robbery was involved or if there was some other motive behind Orlando's killing.

"Apparently there was an altercation behind the store, my sister opened the door to check it out — and that's all we know," Macchus said.

Macchus added several people had recently been fired from the store, making him suspect the crime was some sort of inside job.

Ryan Macchus, and others, plan to start peppering the area with fliers asking for more information.

"She's a very bright girl, she's a fighter, she can stand a lot, if they're trying to break her down, I don't know what they're doing," Macchus said. "If they're just going to go ahead and kill her and dump the body -- There's so much running through your head."

Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad said they believe Machus, an assistant manager at the store, may be in danger.

"I can promise you that we're going to use the entire resources for the Dearborn police and our regional partners to being a successful end to this," Haddad said.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,500 reward for a tip leading to Machus' whereabouts or to an arrest in this case.  Those with information are urged to call the anonymous tip line at 1-800-SPEAK UP. You can also text your tip to CRIMES (274637).

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