5 Shocking Facts About The Miranda Corsette Case: The Tragic Story And Pursuit Of Justice

The tragic case of Miranda Corsette, a 16-year-old Florida girl who was abducted, tortured, and murdered in early 2025, has sent shockwaves across the United States, highlighting the grave dangers of online predation and the urgent need for social media safety reform. The details of the crime, the arrests of the two suspects, and the subsequent legal battle against the dating app allegedly used to lure her have dominated headlines, marking this as one of the most disturbing cases of its kind in recent memory.

As of December 2025, the case is moving through the legal system, with the two accused individuals facing serious charges and the victim's family continuing their fight for accountability. This article provides a comprehensive, factual, and up-to-date look at the key entities, the timeline of events, and the lasting impact of the tragedy on the conversation about online safety.

Miranda Corsette: A Factual Profile and Case Summary

The biography of Miranda Corsette is tragically defined by the circumstances of her death, yet she is remembered by her family and community as a young girl with a life full of potential, a resident of Gulfport, Florida.

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• Full Name: Miranda Corsette
• Age: 16 years old
• Residence: Gulfport, Florida
• Date Missing: Late February 2025
• App Used to Lure Her: A social media/dating app (identified in court documents as Grindr)
• Accused Perpetrators: Steven Gress (35) and Michelle Brandes (37)
• Charges: First-degree murder, kidnapping, and other related charges
• Manner of Death: Allegedly tortured, suffocated, and dismembered
• Current Status: The accused are awaiting trial, and the victim's estate has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the dating app.

Miranda Corsette was reported missing in late February 2025. St. Petersburg police detectives quickly launched an investigation that led them to Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes. The horrifying details that emerged suggested the crime was premeditated, involving a lure through an online platform and a multi-day ordeal.

The Shocking Timeline of Abduction and Discovery

The investigation into Miranda Corsette’s disappearance uncovered a disturbing sequence of events that began with an online meeting and ended in a tragic crime. The case highlights the swift and lethal nature of online predation when coupled with real-world violence.

1. The Online Lure and Initial Contact

Miranda Corsette was allegedly lured to the St. Petersburg home of Steven Gress, 35, whom she had met through the LGBTQ dating app Grindr. Reports indicate the initial meeting was followed by Miranda returning home, only to go back to Gress's residence the following day.

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2. Alleged Torture and Murder

According to court documents, once at the residence, Miranda was allegedly held captive, tortured over the course of seven days, and eventually suffocated to death by Steven Gress and his domestic partner, Michelle Brandes, 37. The documents also revealed that at least six other people were aware that Miranda was being held against her will, yet failed to notify the authorities.

3. Dismemberment and Disposal

Following the murder, the suspects are accused of dismembering the teenager’s body. The remains of the 16-year-old were later found in a dumpster after a witness came forward with crucial information.

The Legal Fallout: Suspects and the Grindr Lawsuit

The legal proceedings in the Miranda Corsette case are twofold: the criminal prosecution of the two accused individuals and a high-profile civil suit against the social media platform involved. Both tracks are critical in the ongoing pursuit of accountability and justice.

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Criminal Prosecution of Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes

Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes were both arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. Given the severity and heinous nature of the crime, the two defendants could face the death penalty if convicted in a Florida court. The case has garnered significant national attention, with the public closely following the court proceedings for updates on the trial schedule and any pleas.

The Wrongful-Death Lawsuit Against Grindr

The estate of Miranda Corsette filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the dating app Grindr, arguing that the platform allowed the couple to allegedly lure the teen to her death. The lawsuit sought to hold the app accountable for not having sufficient safeguards to prevent minors from being targeted by predators.

In a recent and significant legal development, a U.S. District Judge ruled that the lawsuit must head to arbitration. The ruling stated that by creating an account, Miranda Corsette had agreed to the app's terms and conditions, which included an arbitration clause. This decision has sparked further debate over the enforceability of online terms of service, especially in cases of severe harm and wrongful death, and the responsibility of social media companies in protecting their users.

The Call for Online Safety and Predator Awareness

The tragedy of Miranda Corsette has served as a painful catalyst for increased awareness campaigns regarding online predator tactics, particularly those targeting teenagers. The details of the case underscored how easily a minor can be lured through seemingly innocuous social media and dating apps.

In the aftermath, law enforcement agencies, including the St. Petersburg Police Department, began conducting public training sessions for families. These sessions focus on educating parents and children about how predators use apps, hidden communication methods, and even emojis to groom and exploit young people. The focus is on entities like "online connections," "social media safety," and "predator awareness" to prevent similar tragedies.

The case continues to be a rallying cry for legislative change and greater corporate responsibility. The entities involved—law enforcement, the courts, the victim's family, and the technology company—are all under intense scrutiny as the public demands justice for Miranda Corsette and stronger protections for all minors navigating the complex world of online interactions.