US teen, 16, lured, kidnapped, and murdered by Florida couple she met online: Police

Steven Gress, 35, and Michelle Brandes, 37, have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette.

Police believe a dispute between the three led to Corsette’s killing sometime between February 20 and 24. (Photos: St. Petersburg Police Department/ Facebook)

A Florida teenager was allegedly lured through social media, kidnapped, and murdered by a couple in St. Petersburg, ABC News reported, quoting authorities.

Steven Gress, 35, and Michelle Brandes, 37, have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette. Gress was arrested earlier on unrelated charges, while Brandes turned herself in on Saturday morning, police said, as per ABC News.

According to St. Petersburg Police, Corsette first met Gress through a social media app and initially returned home after their first meeting on February 14. However, she went back the next day and remained with Gress and his partner, Brandes.

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Police believe a dispute between the three led to Corsette’s killing sometime between February 20 and 24.

Corsette was reported missing to Gulfport Police on February 24.

Nearly two weeks later, on March 6, a witness provided information about a possible kidnapping and homicide involving the missing teen, prompting further investigation, as per the police.

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Authorities allege that after killing Corsette, Gress transported her body to a home in Largo, where evidence suggests she was dismembered before being driven to Hillsborough County and placed in a dumpster. Officers located the dumpster and are working to recover her remains, reported ABC News.

Gress was already in custody following his March 5 arrest for pointing a harpoon at Brandes and drug possession, according to police.

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The investigation remains active, and additional charges may follow. Police have not disclosed whether the suspects have legal representation.

(With inputs from ABC News)

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