Teen girl kidnapped and killed after meeting man online, couple charged

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A 16-year-old girl was kidnapped, beaten, and killed after being lured by a man she met on social media, according to police.

Authorities said Miranda Corsette met 35-year-old Steven Gress online and first visited his home on February 14. The next day, she returned to the duplex at 2708 27th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg, where she remained with Gress and his domestic partner, Michelle Brandes. She was reported missing to Gulfport Police on February 24.

Investigators believe that on February 20, a dispute occurred at the home, leading to Corsette being beaten. Sometime between February 20 and February 24, she was killed.

Gress allegedly transported Corsette’s body to a house at 12243 Mallory Drive in Largo, where police say evidence suggests she was dismembered. Her remains were then driven to Hillsborough County and placed in a dumpster at 2893 14th Avenue S.E. in Ruskin. Detectives located the dumpster and are working to recover her body.

Gress was already in custody on unrelated charges when police arrested him on March 5 for allegedly pointing a harpoon at Brandes and possessing drugs. He has since been charged with kidnapping in connection with Corsette’s disappearance.

Authorities are searching for Brandes and expect additional charges as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or text SPPD + your tip to TIP411.

Police are coordinating with multiple agencies, including Gulfport Police, Largo Police, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, in the ongoing investigation.

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