Florida Man Laughs While Pleading Guilty to Torturing, Dismembering and Decapitating Teen He Lured In On Grindr

A 35-year-old man, Steven Gress, pleaded guilty to the harrowing first-degree murder of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette, whose tragic death has sent shockwaves through the St. Petersburg community. Gress entered his plea at the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, where the details of the case were both heartbreaking and disturbing.

Miranda Corsette was reported to have been subjected to a week of torture at Gress’s residence prior to her death. Following her brutal treatment, she was suffocated, dismembered, and decapitated. Her remains were then callously disposed of in a dumpster. The case has drawn significant media attention due to the severity of the crime and the chilling behaviour exhibited by Gress during his court appearance.

At the hearing, Gress displayed a shocking lack of remorse as he laughed while informing the judge that he would prefer the death penalty over a life sentence without the possibility of parole. His reaction, particularly in light of the nature of the offences, has prompted outrage and disbelief.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Gress lured Corsette to his home on February 14, 2025, after the two exchanged messages on the dating app Grindr. The situation escalated dramatically the following day when Gress’s girlfriend, Michelle Brandes, levelled a false accusation at Corsette, claiming she had stolen Gress’s ring. Over the next five days, Gress reportedly beat Corsette and even sent gruesome photographs of her injuries to several individuals, including his own mother. Shockingly, none of the recipients chose to alert the authorities.

The affidavit described the increasingly severe condition of Corsette in the photographs, highlighting the severe bruises and swelling that marked her deteriorating state. Gress confessed to the actions taken against Corsette but controversially shifted the blame onto Brandes, alleging that she was responsible for the actual murder. He claimed she used a sock and a pool ball to suffocate the girl, asserting that he could not intervene in time to save her.

Following Corsette’s murder, Gress and Brandes, along with another roommate, allegedly dismembered her body at Brandes’s mother’s house. They reportedly placed the remains in trash bags before going out for fried chicken and a round of mini-golf, all while the bags containing Corsette’s remains were left in the car. The disposal of her body occurred on the same day she was reported missing to local police.

In addition to Gress’s guilty plea, Michelle Brandes has been charged with murder and kidnapping but has pleaded not guilty to the accusations. The actions of both Gress and Brandes have raised numerous questions regarding their motivations and the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, Miranda Corsette’s family has initiated a civil lawsuit against Grindr, citing several grounds including wrongful death and negligence. The suit argues that the platform’s failure to implement robust safeguards for underage users contributed to the circumstances that led to Corsette’s murder, exposing her to severe danger.

The family’s legal action highlights their belief that the app’s lack of adequate protections facilitated the tragic events that unfolded. They are seeking compensation for the emotional distress and losses they have endured due to the violent crime.

As the case continues to unfold, Gress is scheduled to appear in court for the penalty phase of his trial on November 4. This high-profile case has not only ignited discussions around violent crime and justice but also brought attention to the responsibilities of social media platforms in ensuring the safety of their users. The aftermath of this devastating case is likely to resonate within the community for years to come, as it underscores the urgent need for reform in protective measures for vulnerable individuals.