A missing Florida teen is believed to have been dismembered by a man she met on a dating app.
On Thursday, during a press conference, Chief Anthony Holloway mentioned that a witness had come forward about the disappearance of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette, as reported by FOX 13.
It was revealed that Corsette had initially met 35-year-old Steven Gress through a dating app, who then picked her up from her Gulfport residence on February 14 and took her to his home on 27th Avenue North. Chief Holloway confirmed that later that same evening, Gress brought Corsette back home.
The following day, on February 15, Corsette independently returned to Gress’s residence and remained there with him and his partner, 37-year-old Michelle Brandes, according to the information shared during the press conference.
News Nation Now reported that on February 20, an altercation over missing jewelry occurred, during which Corsette was severely beaten.
Corsette was reported missing on February 24. She had not been reported missing sooner 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.
“We are very familiar with Miranda,” said Commander Mary Farrand, acting police chief for Gulfport. “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 said Miranda usually 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,” Fox 13 reported.
Police believe Corsette was killed sometime between February 20 and 24.
Investigators suspect that Gress transported Corsette’s body to his mother’s home at 12243 Mallory Drive in Largo. Police found evidence at the residence indicating that Corsette’s body was dismembered. Gress then allegedly drove the body and discarded it in a dumpster 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 March 5 incident involving pointing a harpoon at Brandes and drug possession.
“This is a horrific crime,” Holloway stated. “We are still investigating it, and we want to ensure we bring justice for Miranda. We will examine every piece of evidence that we can find. We want to hold all responsible parties accountable.”
Police are still 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 find your way to the police department. To her friends who may think they are helping her, we will make charges.”
Anyone with information about the crime 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.
[Feature Photo via Gulfport police]
