Man Laughed While Pleading Guilty to Torture Murder

Steven Gress, 35, has entered a guilty plea to first-degree murder charges concerning the death of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette. The court heard that Corsette endured a week of torture at Gress's St. Petersburg residence before her death, which was followed by dismemberment and decapitation. Her remains were discovered in a dumpster.

During the plea hearing, Gress expressed amusement when confronted with the potential for a death sentence, stating he would rather be executed than serve life in prison. He lured Corsette to his home on February 14, 2025, after connecting on Grindr. The situation escalated when his girlfriend, Michelle Brandes, accused Corsette of theft, leading to days of abuse.

Gress admitted to beating Corsette and sending photos of her injuries to others, none of whom alerted authorities. He claimed Brandes ultimately killed Corsette by shoving a pool ball down her throat and suffocating her with plastic wrap. Following Corsette's death on February 20, 2025, her body was dismembered by Gress and bagged by Brandes.

After disposing of the body on February 24, 2025, the same day Corsette was reported missing, Gress and Brandes engaged in leisure activities. Brandes faces separate charges of murder and kidnapping and has pleaded not guilty. Corsette's family is suing Grindr, alleging negligence and failure to provide safeguards against underage exploitation.