A Florida man accused of a horrific murder reportedly confessed to police that he held a 16-year-old girl captive for days, regularly beat her, and later killed and dismembered her body — while also sending graphic photos of her injuries to multiple people, including his own mother.
According to a search warrant obtained by PEOPLE, Steven Gress, of St. Petersburg, told investigators that he and his girlfriend, Michelle Brandes, were responsible for the death of Miranda Corsette, a teenage girl who was allegedly lured to their home on Valentine’s Day after meeting Gress on Grindr.
Disturbing Photos Ignored by Recipients
In the days leading up to Miranda’s death, Gress reportedly sent photos of her bruised and beaten body to two men and his mother, Jacquelyn Kristich. One recipient eventually turned the images over to police — but according to the warrant, none of the three reported the abuse or the girl’s captivity before she was murdered.
The warrant reveals the photos showed Corsette nude, covered in bruises, and with increasingly severe injuries. In the final image, her face was so swollen she was barely recognizable.
“There was a total of five photographs,” the warrant states. “In each one, Corsette looked to be in worse condition.”
Those messages were sent on February 18 — five to six days before Gress allegedly told police he and Brandes killed her.
A History of Violence, and a Mother Who Looked Away
Gress’ mother allegedly admitted to police that she was aware her son had a history of killing animals, and that she received messages and photos regarding Corsette — though she claimed never to have opened them.
She told investigators that Gress had called her weeks prior, saying he had a girl at his home who had “stolen a ring.” When he called again around February 18 to say “the girl is still here,” she allegedly responded:
“Good people don’t want to know bad things.”
Despite believing her son was holding a teenage girl captive, she never called police.
Alleged Motive and Grisly Details
Gress told detectives that the abuse began because Corsette had allegedly stolen his ring. However, a witness who later came forward said that claim was false, and that Brandes, out of jealousy, had taken the ring herself after Miranda had already died.
That same witness, who was reportedly present during the murder and dismemberment, ultimately alerted police. In a sworn statement, she claimed Brandes was the one who killed Miranda — a claim echoed by Gress in his confession.
According to the affidavit, Brandes allegedly used a pool table ball wrapped in a sock, forced it into the teen’s mouth, and covered her face in plastic wrap, suffocating her. Gress admitted he tried to poke holes in the plastic, but it was too late.
After Miranda’s death, the couple allegedly celebrated Brandes’ birthday by going mini-golfing and eating at Popeyes — with her body in the trunk of their car.
They later dismembered the body in a family member’s yard and disposed of the remains in a dumpster.
Arrests and Charges
Both Gress and Brandes are currently in custody and have been charged with murder and kidnapping. As of now, no other individuals — including those who received the photos — have been charged.
Police continue to investigate the case, and public outrage has grown over the fact that multiple people received warnings signs but failed to act.