Florida Teen’s Body Allegedly Dumped in Landfill, Two Suspects Charged with Murder

A 16-year-old Florida teen mother was allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and murdered before her body was disposed of in a dumpster, authorities say. Two suspects are now facing first-degree murder and kidnapping charges in connection with her death.

The Tragic Disappearance of Miranda Corsette

Miranda Corsette, a homeschooled teen mother, was reported missing on February 24 by her grandmother, who had been her guardian following the deaths of both of Corsette’s parents. The Gulfport Police Department noted that Corsette had a history of running away, but this time, she never returned home.

Investigators later uncovered that Corsette had met 35-year-old Steven Gress through a dating app on Valentine’s Day and had been staying at his home with his domestic partner, 37-year-old Michelle Brandes.

Tortured Over a Missing Ring

Authorities believe that between February 20 and February 24, Corsette was brutally beaten and tortured after a dispute allegedly erupted over a missing piece of jewelry.

“She was beaten and tortured because they could not find this piece of jewelry,” St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said in a press conference.

According to the arrest affidavit, Gress and Brandes allegedly held Corsette against her will for over seven days, repeatedly beating her before ultimately suffocating her by forcing a billiard ball into her mouth and wrapping her face with plastic.

Body Disposal and Investigation

After her death, police say Gress transported Corsette’s body to a house in Largo, where they believe she was dismembered before being dumped in a Hillsborough County dumpster. Detectives are now working to locate her remains, which they believe may be in a landfill.

Suspects in Custody

At the time of his arrest, Gress was already in custody for an unrelated drug charge and for allegedly pointing a harpoon at Brandes. Meanwhile, Brandes turned herself in on Saturday. Both suspects are currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail without bond.

Authorities have called this case a “horrific crime” and have vowed to hold everyone involved fully accountable.

“We are still investigating it, and we want to make sure we bring justice for Miranda,” Chief Holloway stated.