ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Michelle Brandes, the domestic partner of Steven Gress, has turned herself in to police and is now in custody, facing a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the death of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette.
This development follows the earlier arrest of Steven Gress, who has also been charged with first-degree murder in the case.
With Brandes now in custody, both suspects are facing first-degree murder charges. The investigation remains active.
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PREVIOUS REPORT: A horrific case of kidnapping and murder has emerged in St. Petersburg, with a teenage girl allegedly lured through a social media app, killed, and dismembered. One suspect is in custody, and police are searching for his accomplice.
The investigation began on Thursday, March 6th, when a witness contacted the St. Petersburg Police Department with information about a possible kidnapping and homicide involving a missing teen, 16-year-old Miranda Corsette.
Detectives determined that Corsette was lured through a social media app to meet 35-year-old Steven Gress on February 14th. She went to his residence at 2708 27th Ave. N in St. Petersburg on two occasions. Corsette was reported missing to the Gulfport Police on February 24th.
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The investigation revealed that Corsette stayed with Gress and his domestic partner, Michelle Brandes, at the residence. On February 20th, a dispute occurred, and Corsette was allegedly beaten. Tragically, sometime between February 20th and February 24th, she was killed.
Gress then allegedly transported Corsette’s body to a house in Largo, where evidence suggests it was dismembered. The remains were then reportedly driven to Hillsborough County and disposed of in a dumpster in Ruskin. Detectives have located the dumpster and are working to recover the body.
Suspect in Custody, Accomplice Sought
Gress was already in jail on unrelated charges stemming from a March 5th arrest for aggravated assault and drug possession. He is now facing a kidnapping charge in connection with Corsette’s disappearance, with more charges expected.
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This complex case involves multiple agencies, including the Gulfport Police, Largo Police, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and state and federal partners.
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