A man in Florida is facing serious charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping, after allegedly torturing and murdering a 16-year-old girl he met on the dating app Grindr. Steven Gress, 35, could potentially face the death penalty for his heinous crimes against Miranda Corsette. The details of the case are truly chilling, as revealed in a search warrant obtained by PEOPLE.
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The search warrant alleges that Corsette visited Gress at his home in St. Petersburg after connecting on Grindr. Tragically, just days later, on Feb. 24, Corsette was reported missing to the Gulfport Police Department. Shockingly, Gress confessed to law enforcement that he had dismembered and decapitated Corsette’s body before disposing of her remains in a dumpster. The search warrant indicates that Corsette had been subjected to daily beatings in the week leading up to her death.
As the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that Gress had shared photographs of the teenager’s injuries with acquaintances and even his own mother. The photos depicted Corsette in progressively worse physical condition, with bruises and marks covering her body. In the final image, Corsette’s head was severely swollen, making her nearly unrecognizable.
During his interview with detectives, Gress admitted to physically assaulting Corsette after accusing her of stealing his ring. He expressed his attachment to the ring, which he considered extremely valuable since he had never owned anything like it before. Gress claimed that he repeatedly beat Corsette in an attempt to retrieve the ring, alleging that she taunted him instead of returning it.
The situation took a horrifying turn when Gress involved his girlfriend, Michelle Brandes, in the violent episode. Brandes reportedly contributed to the abuse and ultimately caused Corsette’s death. According to statements from a third roommate, Brandes used a ball from a pool table, wrapped in a sock, to suffocate Corsette before wrapping her face in plastic. Tragically, she passed away before Gress could intervene.
The investigation further revealed troubling details about Gress and Brandes’ history of violence towards vulnerable individuals. The third roommate informed the police that Gress targeted disadvantaged women and girls, particularly those who were homeless or struggling with addiction. This pattern of abuse raises serious concerns about the safety of those who may have crossed paths with the suspects.
Both Gress and Brandes are currently in custody, facing charges of murder and kidnapping. Prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty for both defendants, given the gravity of the crimes they are accused of committing. As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits further developments in this tragic case that has shaken St. Petersburg and beyond.