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The Chilling Case Of Steven Gress: 5 Disturbing Facts About The Miranda Corsette Murder Trial

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The shocking details surrounding the Steven Gress case have dominated true crime headlines throughout late 2025, painting a disturbing picture of a crime that began with a social media connection. As of December 2025, the legal proceedings against Gress and his co-defendant, Michelle Brandes, are moving forward, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for the alleged kidnapping, torture, and first-degree murder of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette. This article compiles the most critical and current information, providing an in-depth look at the man at the center of the horrific St. Petersburg tragedy and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

The severity of the allegations—which include dismemberment and the incineration of the victim's remains—has focused national attention on the case, raising serious questions about online safety and the vulnerabilities of minors on dating applications. The following sections detail the known facts about Steven Gress, his co-conspirator, the victim, and the current status of the high-profile Florida trial.

Steven Gress: A Profile of the Accused

The man accused of one of the most brutal crimes in recent Florida history, Steven Gress, was a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, at the time of the alleged offense. While specific details about his professional life before the arrest are limited, court documents and police reports have established key biographical facts.

  • Full Name: Steven Gress
  • Age: 35 (at the time of the alleged crime)
  • Residence: St. Petersburg, Florida
  • Co-Defendant: Michelle Brandes (37), his domestic partner, also charged with first-degree murder.
  • Victim: Miranda Corsette (16), a resident of Gulfport, Florida.
  • Charges: First-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, and additional charges related to the disposal of human remains.
  • Legal Status: Currently incarcerated and awaiting trial, facing the possibility of the death penalty.
  • Motive (Alleged): Police reports suggest a premeditated act of violence and torture following a luring via a social media dating application.

The Horrific Timeline: From Luring to Dismemberment

The case of Miranda Corsette's disappearance and murder has been extensively covered by local and national media due to the shocking timeline of events, which allegedly spanned over a week in February 2025. The facts presented in court filings paint a grim picture of the victim's final days.

The Social Media Connection and Luring

The tragedy began when Steven Gress, then 35, allegedly lured 16-year-old Miranda Corsette to his St. Petersburg duplex. Reports indicate the initial contact was made through a social media dating application, which some sources have identified as Grindr, though the victim's estate has since filed a lawsuit against the app. Miranda, who lived with her grandmother in Gulfport, Florida, reportedly met Gress and initially returned home, only to go back to his residence on a subsequent day.

Allegations of Torture and Murder

Police documents allege that Miranda Corsette was held against her will and subjected to a prolonged period of torture. The alleged ordeal is believed to have lasted approximately seven days. Steven Gress and his domestic partner, Michelle Brandes, are both charged with her first-degree murder. The complexity of the case lies in the joint nature of the alleged crimes, with both defendants facing the most severe penalties under Florida law.

The Dismemberment and Disposal of Remains

Perhaps the most disturbing element of the case involves the alleged attempts by Gress and Brandes to conceal the crime. After the murder, investigators allege that Gress dismembered Miranda Corsette's body. The remains were then reportedly dumped in a dumpster located in Ruskin, Florida. Tragically, the contents of the dumpster were later transported to a waste facility and incinerated, making the recovery of crucial evidence extremely challenging for the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

The Legal Fallout and Current Trial Status (2025)

The legal proceedings against Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes are highly charged and closely monitored by the public and victim advocacy groups. The severity of the charges—kidnapping and first-degree murder—has set the stage for a prolonged and intense trial in the Florida court system.

The Death Penalty on the Table

Due to the heinous nature of the alleged crimes, which involve torture, kidnapping, and the murder of a minor, the State of Florida has indicated that it may seek the death penalty for both Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes. The decision to pursue capital punishment underscores the prosecution's view of the extreme depravity involved in the case. This factor alone ensures the trial will be a landmark event in the state's judicial history.

Co-Defendant Michelle Brandes

Michelle Brandes, 37, the domestic partner of Steven Gress, turned herself in shortly after the initial charges were filed. She is equally implicated in the alleged kidnapping and first-degree murder of Miranda Corsette. The legal strategy for the two defendants—whether they will be tried together or separately, and if either will cooperate with the prosecution—remains a critical element of the unfolding case. Their combined involvement highlights the alleged collaborative nature of the crime.

The Grindr Lawsuit Entity

An additional legal entity relevant to this case is the civil lawsuit filed by the estate of Miranda Corsette against the dating app Grindr. The lawsuit alleges negligence in allowing Gress, an adult, to connect with a minor on the platform, which allegedly led to the fatal encounter. While the lawsuit is separate from the criminal proceedings, it adds another layer of complexity and public scrutiny to the overall Steven Gress case, focusing on the broader issues of online platform accountability and child safety.

5 Key Entities and Facts Shaping the Steven Gress Case

The prosecution's case relies on a complex web of evidence, including Gress's alleged confession and digital forensics. Here are five crucial facts and entities that define the current narrative of the case:

  1. First-Degree Murder Charges: Both Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes are charged with this capital offense, which is the most severe charge in the Florida penal code.
  2. The Victim: Miranda Corsette: The focus of the entire case is the tragic loss of the 16-year-old Gulfport girl, whose family continues to seek justice.
  3. The Co-Defendant: Michelle Brandes: Her alleged involvement as Gress's domestic partner and co-conspirator is a central theme, with her facing the same severe penalties.
  4. The 7-Day Torture Allegation: The claim that Miranda was held and tortured for a week before her death is a key factor in the prosecution's argument for the death penalty.
  5. The Incinerated Remains: The disposal of the body in a dumpster that was later incinerated has created significant challenges for the defense and complicated the evidence chain.

As the trial approaches, the public will be watching closely as the Pinellas County court system seeks to deliver a verdict in this high-stakes case, ensuring that the memory of Miranda Corsette is honored through a thorough and fair judicial process. The Steven Gress case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital world and the absolute necessity of vigilance for online interactions.

The Chilling Case of Steven Gress: 5 Disturbing Facts About the Miranda Corsette Murder Trial
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