A Florida couple, Steven Gress, 35, and his partner, Michelle Brandes, 37, have been accused of murdering 16-year-old girl, Miranda Corsette. Miranda was reported missing back on February 24 and allegedly met Gress back on February 14. According to police, Miranda was murdered and evidence shows she was dismembered.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The St. Petersburg Police Department
issued a statement on Friday, March 7, revealing they had received information about a "possible kidnapping and homicide" involving Miranda Corsette. A police investigation alleges that Gress lured Miranda to his home after meeting her through a "social media app."Miranda allegedly met Gress on February 14 for the first time at his house. She then returned to her own house, only to return to Gress's house the following day. Miranda was reported missing by her grandmother on February 24.
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway gave some details during a press conference held on March 7. "The grandmother is her primary caregiver at this time," Holloway said, as per PEOPLE. "She said she normally comes home, so she doesn't report her missing every time she leaves. She just didn't come back in a timely manner this time." Commander Mary Farrand stated that police knew Miranda and that she was a "frequent runaway" and had mental health issues and a history of drug abuse.
Killed And Dismembered
Police allege that Miranda, while staying with Gress and Brandes, was killed "sometime between February 20th and February 24th." Police stated that Miranda, Gress, and Brandes had allegedly engaged in a dispute over missing jewelry. Gress then allegedly transported Miranda's body to a Largo house. Police stated they found evidence at the Largo house that Miranda's body was dismembered and then placed in a dumpster in Ruskin. Currently, the body is yet to be found.
Gress, who was in jail on unrelated charges, was charged with first-degree murder for the killing of Miranda Corsette. He was also charged with kidnapping in connection with Miranda's disappearance. Initially, police were searching for Michelle Brandes. Brandes, however, turned herself in on Saturday morning. She was also charged with first-degree murder.
Police Chief Holloway stated that, as the investigation continues, police are planning to add more charges against Gress and Brandes. "This is a horrific crime", Holloway said. "We want to ensure that we bring justice to Miranda."
