Man Who Beat and Killed Minor, 16, Sent Mom Pics as he Tortured the Girl for a Week Before Her Death. His Mom Did Nothing: Warrant

Florida Man Sent Pictures of Tortured Teenage Girl Before Her Death, Mother Failed to Act​

A disturbing case has emerged in Florida where a man is accused of keeping a 16-year-old girl captive, torturing her, and ultimately causing her death. Steven Gress has been charged with kidnapping, beating, killing, and dismembering Miranda Corsette. Reports suggest that before Corsette’s tragic demise, Gress sent photos of her injuries to three individuals, including his own mother, yet no one reported the situation to the authorities.

According to law enforcement, Gress sent graphic images of the victim’s deteriorating condition to two men and his mother in the days leading up to Corsette’s death. The images depicted Corsette in increasingly severe physical distress, with bruises and marks covering her body. In the final photo, Corsette’s head was severely swollen, making her nearly unrecognizable. Despite receiving these alarming pictures, none of the recipients alerted the police.

During police interviews, Gress allegedly confessed to informing his mother that he and his girlfriend had killed Corsette and disposed of her body. The investigation revealed that one of the men who received the distressing images shared them with law enforcement, prompting further inquiries into the harrowing case.

In a heartbreaking twist, Gress’s mother, Jacquelyn Kristich, not only received the troubling photos but also acknowledged knowing about her son’s violent tendencies towards animals. Although Kristich claimed to have advised her son to release the girl, she failed to take any action to prevent the tragic outcome. This revelation has sparked outrage and raised questions about parental responsibility in such appalling circumstances.

The warrant detailing the investigation sheds light on the timeline leading to Corsette’s untimely death. It indicates that Gress met Corsette on a dating app on Valentine’s Day, leading to her visit to his residence where the horrific events unfolded. Gress reportedly accused the teenager of stealing a ring, which allegedly triggered the series of violent acts that ultimately led to her demise.

The affidavit further outlines the gruesome details of the incident, with Gress and his girlfriend, Michelle Brandes, both implicated in the heinous crime. Brandes is accused of playing a role in Corsette’s death, with allegations suggesting she used a pool ball to asphyxiate the victim before wrapping her face in plastic. The pair then allegedly celebrated Brandes’s birthday after disposing of the body in a chilling display of callousness.

As the investigation continues, both Gress and Brandes are in custody facing charges of murder and kidnapping. The community has been left reeling from the shocking revelations of this case, prompting discussions about the importance of reporting suspicious activities and intervening to prevent tragedies like the one that befell Miranda Corsette.

The failure of those who received the distressing photos to take immediate action has underscored the critical need for increased vigilance and accountability in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The tragic loss of Corsette serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of inaction in the face of clear warning signs. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any concerning behaviour to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.