7 Shocking Facts About Steven Gress: The Current Status Of The Miranda Corsette Murder Case

Steven Gress remains one of the most prominent and controversial names in recent Florida true crime history, stemming from the deeply disturbing 2022 murder of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette. As of today, December 18, 2025, the legal proceedings against Gress and his co-defendant, Michelle Brandes, are ongoing, with prosecutors seeking the ultimate penalty for the accused. The case has drawn intense national scrutiny, not only for the brutality of the crime but also for the underlying issues of online safety and exploitation. This article provides the most current and comprehensive breakdown of the man at the center of the case, Steven Gress, detailing his background, the horrific nature of the charges, and the latest developments in the high-stakes legal battle that could result in the death penalty. The information is based on the freshest public records and media reports related to the Pinellas County case.

Steven Gress: A Profile of the Accused

Steven Gress, alongside his domestic partner Michelle Brandes, stands accused of one of the most brutal crimes in St. Petersburg, Florida, history. The details surrounding his life before the crime are limited, but the events of early 2022 have placed his name permanently in the public record. The following is a list of known biographical and case-related entities for the accused:

• Full Name: Steven Christopher Gress
• Age: 35 (at the time of the crime)
• Primary Residence: St. Petersburg, Florida
• Co-Defendant: Michelle Brandes (37 at the time of the crime)
• Victim: Miranda Corsette (16 years old)
• Method of Luring: Allegedly met the victim on a dating application (sources cite Grindr and other social media)
• Primary Charges: Kidnapping, First-Degree Murder, and Abuse of a Dead Body
• Potential Sentence: Death Penalty (Florida is actively seeking capital punishment)

The case gained widespread notoriety due to the victim's age, the method of contact, and the extreme violence detailed in the police affidavits. Gress and Brandes were quickly identified as the prime suspects after Miranda Corsette was reported missing in February 2022.

The Horrific Details of the Miranda Corsette Case

The charges against Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes are exceptionally severe, painting a picture of calculated cruelty and extreme violence. The investigation revealed a terrifying series of events that began with a seemingly innocuous online meeting.

1. Lured Through a Dating Application

Miranda Corsette, a 16-year-old from Gulfport, Florida, reportedly met Steven Gress through a social media or dating application, with some reports specifically naming Grindr. After an initial meeting, she returned to Gress’s residence in St. Petersburg, which is where the alleged captivity began.

2. Allegations of Torture and Captivity

According to search warrants and police reports, Miranda was allegedly held captive at the St. Petersburg home of Gress and Brandes for approximately seven days. During this period, she was reportedly subjected to beating, rape, and torture before her death.

3. Suffocation and Dismemberment

The ultimate act of violence is believed to have been suffocation. Following her death, Gress and Brandes are accused of dismembering the teenager's body. The remains were then allegedly dumped in a dumpster in Ruskin, which was subsequently transported to a waste facility. This act resulted in the charge of abuse of a dead body.

4. The Chilling Post-Crime Behavior

One of the most shocking revelations from the police investigation was the couple's behavior immediately following the murder and disposal of the body. Reports indicate that Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes allegedly went to eat at a Popeyes restaurant and played mini golf shortly after the killing. This detail highlighted a profound lack of remorse, according to prosecutors.

Current Legal Status and the Death Penalty Pursuit

The case against Steven Gress is a complex and high-profile legal battle that has seen several critical developments since the initial charges were filed. The focus remains on the upcoming trial and the potential for a capital sentence.

5. Gress's Confession vs. Brandes' Denial

A significant development in the case is the difference in the defendants' responses to the charges. While Michelle Brandes has reportedly denied involvement in the murder, Steven Gress is reported to have provided a full confession to the murder of Miranda Corsette during police interrogation. Gress's confession is a key piece of evidence that will be used by the prosecution in the upcoming trial.

6. The Intent to Seek the Death Penalty

The State Attorney’s Office, led by Juan Saldivar, Jr., has officially filed a "Notice Of Intent To Seek Death Penalty" against both Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes. For the death penalty to be pursued in Florida, the crime must meet specific aggravating factors, which in this case include the alleged kidnapping, torture, and the heinous nature of the murder. The death penalty remains a distinct possibility if the pair are convicted of first-degree murder.

7. The Grindr Lawsuit and Legal Precedent

The tragic death of Miranda Corsette led to a separate, high-profile civil lawsuit against the dating application Grindr by the victim's estate. The lawsuit alleged that the app was negligent in allowing Gress to use their platform to lure a minor. A U.S. District Judge later issued a ruling forcing the lawsuit into arbitration, a decision that has sparked debate regarding the terms and conditions of social media platforms and their liability in criminal cases. This legal battle highlights a critical topical authority entity related to the case: the ongoing debate over online safety and platform accountability. The trial for Steven Gress and Michelle Brandes is expected to be a long and complex process, with the charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder carrying the most severe penalties under Florida law. The state of the case remains in the pre-trial phase as of the current date, with legal teams preparing for what is anticipated to be a highly scrutinized and emotionally charged proceeding. The ultimate verdict will not only determine the fate of Steven Gress but will also serve as a landmark case in the intersection of online exploitation and capital crime.