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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The St. Petersburg Police Department announced that a teenage girl was killed by a man who “lured” her through social media.
During a Friday press conference, Chief Anthony Holloway said a witness came forward on Thursday with information about the victim, 16-year-old Miranda Corsette.
In their investigation, detectives learned that Miranda was met with Steven Gress, 35, through a social media app on Feb. 14.
“I just want to remind all the parents out there please, please, I’m begging you, please, make sure you know what your kids are doing on social media,” said Chief Holloway. “and to the kids also, if someone is contacting you who is not a family member please let your parents know.”
After meeting Gress at his home located at 27th Avenue North, police said Miranda returned to his home the following day.
8 on your side went to Gress home and spoke to neighbors who knew him.
“I never thought this guy has the capabilities to do what they allegedly say he did,” Neighbor Kathy Rue said.
Miranda remained with Gress and his “domestic partner,” Michelle Brandes, 37, at the home until an alleged dispute on Feb. 20 over some missing jewelry, in which the teenager was beaten.
According to detectives, Miranda was killed sometime between Feb. 20 and Feb. 24.
Miranda was homeschooled and lived with her grandmother.
She was reported missing to Gulfport Police on Feb. 24.
Detectives said Gress loaded Miranda’s body into a car, he drove to a house at Mallory Drive in Largo where evidence suggests her body was dismembered.
The body was then driven to Hillsborough County and placed in a dumpster at 2893 14th Avenue SE in Ruskin. Detectives are still trying to locate Miranda’s remains as of this report.
SPPD said that Gress is currently in custody and was arrested on March 5 for possession of drugs and pointing a harpoon at Brandes.
As of Thursday, police have also charged Gress in the kidnapping and disappearance of Miranda Corsette.
Police are still searching for Brandes.
If anyone has information about her whereabouts, please contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780.
