A Florida teenager, who had been missing for two weeks, was tragically discovered dismembered and discarded in a dumpster, following an encounter with an older man she had met on social media, according to police reports. The 16-year-old, identified as Miranda Corsette, was lured into meeting 35-year-old Steven Gress on Valentine’s Day after they connected on a social media platform, as disclosed by the police investigation.
Corsette was reported missing on February 24. She had visited Gress’s duplex the day after Valentine’s Day and was never seen again. Gress and his partner, 37-year-old Michelle Brandes, allegedly assaulted Corsette over a ring they believed she had stolen from them, according to a police affidavit that was made public on Saturday and reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
The affidavit further alleges that the couple “held the victim against her will for more than seven days and tortured her by repeatedly beating the victim and eventually stuffing a billiard ball into her mouth and wrapping her face with plastic wrap, causing her to suffocate.” Police suspect that Corsette was murdered sometime between February 20 and February 24.
Following the alleged murder, Corsette’s body was reportedly transported in a car to another residence, where she was dismembered and subsequently discarded in a dumpster. Gress and Brandes are now facing first-degree murder charges, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
Gress was already incarcerated, having been arrested on March 5 on unrelated charges of threatening Brandes with a harpoon and drug possession. Brandes, who was initially at large, surrendered herself to the authorities on Saturday and is also currently in custody.
The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of online interactions, particularly for young and vulnerable individuals. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and safety measures when using social media platforms.