A Florida teenager, Miranda Corsette, was reportedly kidnapped and dismembered after meeting a man through a social media app, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. The 16-year-old was reported missing on February 24 to the Gulfport Police Department. On Thursday (March 6), a witness provided information about a possible kidnapping and homicide involving Corsette, leading to an investigation by the police.

Detectives discovered that Corsette had been lured by 35-year-old Steven Gress through a social media app on February 14. After initially meeting Gress, Corsette returned to his home the following day. She stayed with Gress and his girlfriend, 37-year-old Michelle Brandes, until a dispute over a piece of missing jewelry occurred on February 20, during which Corsette was allegedly beaten.

"So from the 20th through the 24th, she was beaten and tortured because they could not find this piece of jewelry," St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said.

Investigators believe Corsette was killed sometime between February 20 and February 24. Gress allegedly transported her body to a house in Largo, where evidence suggests it was dismembered, and then moved to a dumpster in Hillsborough County. Police are still searching for Corsette's remains.

Gress was arrested on March 5 for drug possession and pointing a harpoon at Brandes. The arrest was not related to the case, however, he has since been charged with first-degree murder for Corsette's death. He is also facing charges of kidnapping and possession of drugs.

Brandes turned herself in on Saturday morning and was booked on a charge of first-degree murder.

Bill Handel

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