A Florida couple has been charged with first-degree murder after the body of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette.The teenager was discovered dismembered and discarded in a dumpster, nearly two weeks after she was first reported missing, authorities announced.
The St. Petersburg Police Department confirmed in a statement on March 7 that Corsette, who had been missing since February 24, was allegedly lured to a home by 35-year-old Steven Gress, whom she met through a dating app, per Fox News 13.
Victim Lured to Home, Beaten Over Missing Jewelry
Police allege that Corsette first met Gress on February 14 and – after an initial visit to his St. Petersburg home – returned the next day. Investigators believe she remained at the residence with Gress and his 37-year-old partner, Michelle Brandes, until her grandmother reported her missing on February 24.
During a March 7 press conference, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway provided insight into Corsette’s background, revealing that she was homeschooled, had a history of running away, and lived with her grandmother following the deaths of both of her parents.
“She normally comes home, so she doesn’t report her missing every time she leaves,” said Commander Mary Farrand, acting police chief for Gulfport, where Corsette was reported missing. “She just didn’t come back in a timely manner this time.”
According to authorities, tensions escalated in the home on February 20 when Corsette allegedly got into a dispute with Gress and Brandes over missing jewelry.
“From the 20th through the 24th, she was beaten and tortured because they could not find this piece of jewelry,” Holloway said.
Murder and Grisly Disposal of the Body
Police believe Corsette was murdered sometime between February 20 and February 24.
Investigators allege that Gress transported her body to a home in Largo, Florida, which belonged to Brandes’ mother.
Physical evidence found at the residence suggests that Corsette was dismembered there.
From there, police say Gress drove her remains to Hillsborough County, where he disposed of her body in a dumpster.
Authorities have since located the dumpster and are working to recover the remains, PEOPLE reports.
Arrests and Charges
Authorities received a tip from a witness on March 6, which led to Brandes turning herself in on March 8.
Gress, meanwhile, had already been in custody since March 5 on unrelated charges after allegedly pointing a harpoon at a domestic partner and possessing drugs.
Both Gress and Brandes have been charged with first-degree murder, while Gress faces an additional kidnapping charge.
Holloway described the case as “a horrific crime” and emphasized that additional charges would likely follow.
