ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A couple from Florida is facing serious charges after allegedly kidnapping and murdering a teenage girl following a dispute over missing jewelry. Steven Gress, 35, and his partner, Michell Brandes, 37, are accused of luring 16-year-old Miranda Corsette to their home, torturing her over several days, and eventually suffocating her.
According to police, Gress met Miranda through a dating app and picked her up on February 14. After spending some time at his home, he drove her back. Unfortunately, her return visit the following day led to tragic consequences.
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway explained that the situation escalated into violence when jewelry belonging to the couple went missing. Miranda was reportedly held captive and abused over the course of a week. Prosecutors allege that Gress and Brandes wrapped plastic over Miranda’s face, resulting in suffocation.
After her death, the couple allegedly transported Miranda’s body to Largo, where they attempted to conceal their crime by dismembering her. Her remains were then discarded in a dumpster about 55 miles away, across Tampa Bay. Authorities tracked the dumpster, but the body had already been transferred to a nearby landfill, where investigators continued their search.
Miranda’s grandmother, her legal guardian, reported her missing on February 24 to the Gulfport police, who were already familiar with Miranda due to frequent runaway incidents. The teen was noted to have mental health and substance abuse challenges and was a young mother herself.
A breakthrough in the case came on Thursday when a witness approached police with information about the crime. Detectives realized that Gress was already in their custody over a separate incident involving a weapon and drugs. Shortly thereafter, Brandes surrendered to authorities.
During his court appearance, Gress appeared agitated, openly questioning the allegations against him before being quieted by his public defender. He repeatedly inquired about Brandes’ whereabouts, prompting the judge to remind him to consult with his lawyer.
At present, both Gress and Brandes are being held in the Pinellas County Jail without the option for bail as they await further legal proceedings. The complexity of the case underscores the tragic end of a young life and the continued effort by law enforcement to bring justice for Miranda.