A horrifying case out of Florida has shaken the community, as a 16-year-old girl was allegedly held, abused, and ultimately murdered by a couple in what police describe as a brutal and premeditated crime.
According to authorities, Steven Gress, 35, and Michelle Brandes, 37, are accused of killing and dismembering teenager Miranda Corsette in February 2025. The case has gained national attention as investigators reveal that at least six people may have known she was being harmed—yet no one stepped in to help before it was too late.
Teen Allegedly Lured by Man She Met on a Dating App
Police say Gress met Corsette through a dating app and lured her to the home he shared with Brandes in St. Petersburg around Valentine’s Day. While she returned home after their first meeting, she came back the following day—and that’s when things took a dark turn.
Gress reportedly accused Corsette of stealing a ring, leading to days of abuse inside their home. According to witness statements, he even bragged to neighbors about physically harming her.
Abuse Known to Others, Warrant Says
An affidavit obtained by the Tampa Bay Times reveals that multiple people—including Gress’s own mother—saw disturbing photos of Corsette covered in bruises. Yet no reports were made at the time.
A roommate living in the home told police Gress had a violent history and even described him harming animals. She later gave detectives chilling details about how Corsette was killed.
Investigators believe that after days of torture, Corsette was suffocated sometime between February 20 and 24. Her body was then allegedly dismembered and disposed of in a dumpster, which authorities believe was emptied and incinerated before it could be recovered.
Couple Celebrated Birthday After the Crime
Shocking details from the case show that instead of immediately disposing of the remains, the couple allegedly decided to celebrate Brandes’ birthday by eating at Popeyes and playing mini golf at Congo River in Clearwater—while the teen’s remains were in the trunk of their car.
Later, they dumped the body parts in a dumpster near Gress’s grandparents’ home in Ruskin, investigators say.
Investigation Unfolds After Witness Comes Forward
On February 24, Corsette’s grandmother, who had legal custody of her, reported her missing. She told police the teen had run away before but always came back. This time, she didn’t.
Nearly two weeks later, on March 6, a witness contacted police, claiming to have information about a kidnapping and murder. Gress was already in custody on unrelated charges, including threatening Brandes with a harpoon while in possession of drugs.
Gress was charged with murder, and Brandes turned herself in on March 8. Both are being held without bond at Pinellas County Jail, and prosecutors have confirmed they will seek the death penalty.
More Arrests Could Be Coming
So far, no other individuals have been charged, but State Attorney Bruce Bartlett told the media that “there’s a pretty good likelihood of more to come.” Authorities are continuing to investigate those who may have known about the abuse and failed to act.