In a chilling case that has left a Florida community reeling, a 16-year-old girl, Miranda Corsette, was reported missing on February 24, only to be discovered dismembered in a dumpster days later. The disturbing allegations come after she was allegedly kidnapped and killed by a man and his domestic partner who had lured her through a dating app.
- 16-year-old Miranda Corsette reported missing.
- Suspects lured her via a dating app.
- Victim was beaten and tortured before death.
- Remains found in a dumpster in Florida.
- Gress and Brandes charged with murder.
- Corsette had previously run away from home.
The harrowing timeline began on February 14, when Miranda met 35-year-old Steven Gress. After their initial meeting, she returned to his home the following day, staying with Gress and his partner, 37-year-old Michelle Brandes. According to the police, Miranda had a history of running away and had previously lived with her grandmother, who reported her missing when she failed to return home within a timeframe that had become routine for them.
Authorities revealed that an argument erupted between Gress, Brandes, and Miranda over missing jewelry on February 20. Tragically, it turned into a nightmare, as police reported that Miranda was subjected to physical abuse during those four days until her disappearance. “So, from the 20th through the 24th, she was beaten and tortured because they could not find this piece of jewelry,” St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway revealed during a press conference.
Miranda’s grandmother described a different side of her granddaughter, one that often returned home but had a penchant for escaping—a detail that now adds a layer of heartache to the investigation. “She just didn’t come back in a timely manner this time,” Commander Mary Farrand noted, highlighting the family’s concern and the tragic end that awaited the teenager.
As law enforcement pieced together events, they followed the trail leading to a home in Largo, owned by Brandes’ mother, where physical evidence suggested that Miranda was dismembered. After the alleged murder, Gress reportedly disposed of her remains in a dumpster in Hillsborough County. Detectives became aware of Miranda’s tragic fate through a tip received on March 7, prompting rapid developments in the case.
Brandes later surrendered to police, facing charges of first-degree murder, while Gress was already in custody on unrelated charges when he learned of the new charges against him—first-degree murder and kidnapping. Holloway condemned the crime as “horrific,” expressing the community’s collective grief and the determination to seek justice for Miranda.
As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with the implications of such a violent crime, particularly involving a vulnerable young girl. The authorities are still working diligently to recover Miranda’s remains from the dumpster where they were found, which is crucial for legal proceedings ahead. The legal process will determine the fate of Gress and Brandes, as they face severe consequences for their alleged actions.
This case not only underscores the tragic fate of a young girl but reflects the social challenges of youth, online safety, and the complexities of familial relationships. With the investigation ongoing and further developments expected, the quest for justice for Miranda Corsette continues to dominate conversations in the community and beyond.
