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St. Petersburg, FL
A disturbing case has rocked the community of St. Petersburg, Florida, where a local couple has been arrested for allegedly luring a teenage girl into their home, torturing her for hours, suffocating her, and dismembering her body—all over a missing piece of jewelry.
Police arrested 35-year-old Steven Gress and his partner, 30-year-old Shannon Brandes, accusing them of the horrific killing of Miranda, a teenage girl they had recently met online. According to authorities, Gress first picked up Miranda on February 14 after they connected on the internet. The two reportedly spent time together before he drove her home. Tragically, when she returned the following day, the situation quickly turned deadly.
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway revealed at a press conference that Miranda was tortured, suffocated, and ultimately murdered after an argument erupted over missing jewelry. Gress and Brandes allegedly accused the teenager of theft, which escalated into violence. According to prosecutors, Miranda endured brutal torture at the couple's home—being suffocated and subjected to extreme violence over the disputed jewelry item.
"They accused Miranda of taking a piece of jewelry, and what followed was days of unimaginable cruelty," said police during a court appearance. Detectives discovered that after killing Miranda, the couple placed her body into a vehicle and transported her approximately 15 miles away to a Largo residence, where authorities believe the pair dismembered her remains. The teen's remains were then discarded into a dumpster, authorities said.
Miranda, described by authorities as someone known to the Gulfport Police Department due to prior runaways and struggles with mental health and substance abuse, was officially reported missing by her grandmother on February 24. She had been living a troubled life marked by frequent runaways, mental health challenges, and substance use. She also leaves behind an 11-month-old child.
The tragic discovery came as detectives were investigating another unrelated drug charge against Gress. When confronted with evidence, Brandes turned herself into authorities shortly afterward.
During his initial court appearance, Gress was quick to deny allegations against him, spontaneously claiming, "They just said I suffocated her," before his public defender stopped him from speaking further. Gress and Brandes remain in custody without bond at the Pinellas County Jail, awaiting trial.
The community remains shocked and deeply saddened by the severity of the crime, and authorities continue to
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