16-year-old mother of 1 died after the 35-year-old man known for taking disadvantaged women into his home suffocated her to death before celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday; charges
Florida – In a deeply disturbing case in Florida that left residents shocked, a teenager’s search for companionship on a dating app ended in her brutal murder. According to reports, the 16-year-old mother, identified as M. Corsette, was beaten and suffocated to death in the home of the 35-year-old man, identified as S. Gress, following a dispute and then thrown in a dumpster. Authorities said that Gress’ girlfriend, identified as M. Brandes, has played a role in the heinous crime as well.
Corsette’s tragic story began when she connected with Gress through a dating app on Valentine’s Day. According to police reports and local news sources, after their initial meeting, Corsette returned to Gress’ home the following day, where she was last seen alive. The situation escalated into violence when a dispute arose over a missing ring between February 20 and February 24. During this period, Corsette was tortured to death. According to authorities, the couple carried on with their daily activities, including celebrating Brandes’ birthday, after the murder.
After their daily activities, the subsequent actions taken by the couple were horrifying. According to authorities, they transported Corsette’s body to another location where the brutal crime continued. As per detectives, evidence at the second location suggests they cut her body into pieces. Gress then loaded the remains into a vehicle, drove miles, and threw the remains in a dumpster, a location they believed would conceal their actions effectively. It is believed that the dumpster’s contents, including Corsette’s remains, were later incinerated, complicating the case for prosecutors who now must proceed without the victim’s body.
The investigation took a turn when police received a tip about Gress’ involvement in a kidnapping and homicide. At the time, Gress was already in custody for unrelated charges, including assault with a harpoon directed at his girlfriend, Brandes, and drug possession. Gress was arrested on March 5, while Brandes surrendered to authorities several days later in connection with Corsette’s death. Surveillance footage and a wealth of digital evidence played crucial roles in piecing together the timeline of Corsette’s last days. The investigation showed that Gress was known for taking disadvantaged women into his home, while the 16-year-old mother to a 1-year-old child, Corsette, was a frequent runaway with mental health and drug issues.
Gress and Brandes face charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. The severity of the allegations has prompted prosecutors to seek the death penalty, emphasizing the premeditated and heinous nature of the crime. The couple is currently held at the county jail without bond, awaiting further legal action. During his initial court appearance, Gress showed a lack of remorse and erratic behavior, and he made several outbursts that were quickly stifled by legal counsel.
During a press conference, Police Chief A. Holloway emphasized the dangers of social media interactions, especially for young people. He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities closely and advised youths to inform their parents if contacted by strangers. The community has been left in shock by the brutality of the crime. Corsette, who was home-schooled and lived with her grandmother, was remembered by those who knew her as a vibrant and trusting young person, tragically taken too soon.
