Florida Teen Kidnapped, Murdered, and Dismembered After Social Media Encounter

St. Petersburg, FL – A 16-year-old Florida girl was allegedly kidnapped, murdered, and dismembered after meeting a man through social media, authorities revealed.

Steven Gress, 35, and his partner, 37-year-old Michelle Brandes, have both been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Miranda Corsette. Gress was arrested earlier on unrelated charges, while Brandes turned herself in to police on Saturday morning.

According to investigators, Corsette was lured through a social media app and met Gress for the first time on February 14. She initially returned home but went back the next day, where she remained with Gress and Brandes. Police believe Corsette was killed sometime between February 20 and 24 following a dispute with the couple.

Corsette was reported missing to Gulfport Police on February 24. Nearly two weeks later, on March 6, a witness contacted authorities with information about a possible kidnapping and homicide. Detectives uncovered evidence indicating that after Corsette was killed, Gress allegedly transported her body to a home in Largo, where she was dismembered. He then allegedly drove to Hillsborough County and disposed of her remains in a dumpster.

Law enforcement officers have since located the dumpster and are working to recover the body.

Gress was already in jail on separate charges after being arrested on March 5 for allegedly pointing a harpoon at Brandes and possessing illegal drugs.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities expect to file additional charges. Police have urged anyone with further information to come forward. Attorney information for Gress and Brandes was not immediately available.