Florida Couple Charged with Murder After Teen's Dismembered Body Found in Dumpster
A couple in Florida has been charged with murder following the discovery of a dismembered teenage girl’s body in a dumpster. Authorities confirmed that 16-year-old Miranda Corsette was found nearly two weeks after being reported missing on February 24.
The investigation revealed that Steven Gress, 35, allegedly met Corsette through a dating app and invited her to his home in St. Petersburg on February 14. Corsette initially returned home after the first meeting but went back to Gress’s residence the following day. Authorities believe she remained there with Gress and his partner, Michelle Brandes, 37, before being reported missing by her grandmother.
Corsette, who was homeschooled and the mother of an 11-month-old baby, lived with her grandmother, as both of her parents were deceased. Authorities noted that Corsette had a history of running away, mental health struggles, and drug abuse. Her grandmother did not immediately report her missing, assuming she would return as she had in the past.
The situation escalated on February 20 when Corsette, Gress, and Brandes allegedly argued over missing jewelry. Over the next several days, Corsette was subjected to repeated beatings. Authorities stated that she was murdered between February 20 and February 24. Gress then allegedly transported her body to a house in Largo, Florida, belonging to Brandes' mother. Evidence collected at the home suggests that Corsette was dismembered there.
Gress later transported the remains to Hillsborough County, where they were placed in a dumpster. Investigators located the dumpster and are actively working to recover the body. The case took a turn on March 6 when authorities received a tip from a witness. Brandes surrendered to authorities on the morning of March 8, while Gress was already in custody for unrelated charges stemming from an earlier arrest on March 5 for allegedly threatening a domestic partner with a harpoon and drug possession.
Both Gress and Brandes are facing first-degree murder charges, with Gress also charged with kidnapping. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may follow as the investigation continues. Officials emphasized the severity of the crime and their commitment to securing justice for Corsette.
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