ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (TCN) — Authorities recently arrested a couple on suspicion of luring a teenager, killing and dismembering her, and placing the victim’s remains in a dumpster.
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, on March 6, a witness reached out to law enforcement claiming they had information about a possible abduction and slaying of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette. Further investigation revealed that Corsette was coaxed through a “social media app to meet 35-year-old Steven Gress on February 14.”
Corsette reportedly went back to Gress’ residence the following day. The victim’s primary caregiver, her grandmother, reported Corsette missing to the Gulfport Police on Feb. 24, officers said. Police noted that Corsette would frequently run away from home, but she didn’t return in a “timely manner this time.”
According to police, a dispute had occurred sometime between Feb. 20 and Feb. 24 because Gress and his domestic partner, 37-year-old Michelle Brandes, couldn’t find a piece of jewelry. Corsette was beaten, tortured, and eventually killed as a result.
Brandes and Gress allegedly placed the victim’s body in a car and drove to a house in Largo, where they dismembered her. Authorities believe Gress and Brandes put her remains in a dumpster. Detectives are working to recover the victim’s body.
Police arrested Gress on March 5 for allegedly pointing a harpoon at his domestic partner and possession of drugs. He remains held in the Pinellas County Jail and faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping.
On March 8, Brandes turned herself into police. She also remains in custody and faces a charge of first-degree murder.