A missing Florida teen, Miranda Corsette, is believed to have been murdered and dismembered by a man she met on a dating app.
According to FOX 13, a witness came forward regarding the 16-year-old’s disappearance, as reported by Chief Anthony Holloway during a press conference on Friday.
Corsette met 35-year-old Steven Gress through a dating app. On February 14, Gress picked her up from her Gulfport home and took her to his residence on 27th Avenue North. Holloway stated that Gress returned Corsette home later that evening.
The following day, February 15, Corsette returned to Gress’s home on her own, where she stayed with Gress and his domestic partner, 37-year-old Michelle Brandes.
News Nation Now reported that on February 20, an altercation over missing jewelry occurred, during which Corsette was severely beaten, leading to concerns over her safety.
Corsette was reported missing on February 24. She had not been reported earlier due to her history of running away, as she typically returned home. Both of Corsette’s parents are deceased, and she lived with her grandmother.
Commander Mary Farrand, acting police chief for Gulfport, noted, “We are very familiar with Miranda. She is a frequent runaway and has a history of mental health issues as well as drug abuse. The grandmother is her primary caregiver and indicated that Miranda usually comes home, so she doesn’t report her missing every time she leaves. However, this time she did not return in a timely manner.”
Authorities believe that Corsette was murdered sometime between February 20 and 24.
Investigators suspect Gress transported Corsette’s body to his mother’s home at 12243 Mallory Drive in Largo. Evidence found at the residence indicated that Corsette’s body had been dismembered. Gress allegedly then disposed of the body in a dumpster located at 2893 14th Avenue S.E. in Ruskin.
Gress has been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with Corsette’s disappearance. At the time of his arrest, he was already in county jail for a separate incident involving pointing a harpoon at Brandes and drug possession.
“This is a horrific crime,” said Holloway. “We are still investigating, and we want to ensure we bring justice for Miranda. We will examine every piece of evidence that we can find to hold all responsible parties accountable.”
Police are actively searching for Brandes and encourage her to come forward for questioning. “She can either come in and talk to us, or we will find her,” Holloway stated. “Michelle, if you are listening to this, please make your way to the police department. We will pursue charges against those who may be helping her.”
Anyone with information about this murder or Brandes’s whereabouts is urged to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or text SPPD and your tip to TIP411.
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[Feature Photo via Gulfport police]
