Florida Couple Charged in Brutal Murder and Dismemberment of Teenager

Investigators have determined that at least six individuals were aware of the torture inflicted upon a teenage girl by a Florida couple before her murder and dismemberment. Steven Gress, 35, and his girlfriend, Michelle Brandes, 37, are accused of suffocating 16-year-old Miranda Corsette by forcing a billiard ball into her mouth and wrapping her head in plastic. They then allegedly dismembered her and placed her remains in the trunk of their car in mid-February.

The couple's plan was to dispose of the remains, but they first celebrated Brandes' birthday with dinner at Popeyes and a game of mini golf. The warrant alleges that Gress had lured Corsette to their home after meeting her on a dating app. Following the birthday outing, the couple allegedly discarded Corsette's remains in a dumpster in Ruskin, near where Gress' grandparents lived. However, the remains were never recovered, as the dumpster was taken to a landfill and incinerated.

Prosecutors are now faced with the challenge of convicting the couple without the victim's body. The warrant reveals that multiple people had seen the teen with the couple or knew about her torture. Gress allegedly sent nude photos of Corsette, showing her with bruises and worsening injuries, to at least three people, including his mother.

According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, Gress and the teen first spent time together at the couple's home on February 14. After driving her home, she returned the next day. Gress then accused her of stealing his ring, which initiated a week of abuse and torture. He reportedly bragged to neighbors about beating her over the missing ring.

Another woman living with the couple told police that Gress was abusive and would kill animals he purchased off Craigslist. As Gress continued to torture Corsette, Brandes reportedly found the missing ring. The couple's roommate believed Brandes had taken it to frame Corsette and get rid of her. The roommate also provided graphic details of the alleged suffocation.

Police believe Corsette was killed between February 20 and February 24. After her death, Gress allegedly transported her body to a house in Largo, where evidence suggests the dismemberment occurred. On February 24, Corsette's grandmother, who had custody of her, reported her missing. On March 6, police received a call from a witness with information about the kidnapping and murder. Gress, already in custody on other charges, was charged with murder. Brandes turned herself in on March 8. Both are being held without bond, and prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. While no one else has been charged, the State Attorney indicated that more charges are likely.