Justice for Miranda Corsette

Latest Updates in the Corsette Case (Updated June 30, 2026)

The heartbreaking murder of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette has shocked Florida and ignited a nationwide conversation about online safety for minors. As the law firm representing her estate, Kaiser Romanello, P.A. is at the forefront of seeking justice — not just through criminal proceedings, but via a groundbreaking civil lawsuit against Grindr, the dating app that facilitated this tragedy. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable and securing compensation for the Corsette family.

Who Was Miranda Corsette? Background of the Corsette Case

On March 7, 2025, St. Petersburg police announced the arrest of Steven Gress, 35, and Michelle Brandes, 37, in connection with the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Miranda Corsette — a 16-year-old from Gulfport, Florida. Miranda Corsette, a young mother who lived with her grandmother and was homeschooled after losing her parents, had met Gress on Grindr — a dating app intended exclusively for adults — on February 14, 2025. She visited his St. Petersburg home the following day and was held captive.

According to police reports and court documents in the Corsette case:

• Between February 20 and 24, 2025, Miranda Corsette was brutally tortured over allegations of stolen jewelry. She endured relentless physical and sexual abuse, including savage beatings that left her unrecognizable.
• On or about February 24, Gress and Brandes allegedly shoved a billiard ball into her mouth, wrapped her head in plastic wrap, and suffocated her.
• Gress then dismembered her body and dumped the remains in a dumpster in Ruskin, Hillsborough County. The dumpster's contents were later incinerated, preventing recovery of her body and denying the Corsette family closure.
• Several people reportedly knew Miranda Corsette was being held captive but failed to alert authorities.
• Gress and Brandes face first-degree murder and kidnapping charges, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

A tip on March 7, 2025 led to the investigation. Brandes turned herself in on March 8. Gress was already in custody on unrelated charges. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway described the Corsette case as a "horrific crime" and vowed to pursue justice relentlessly.

The Corsette Family's Legal Path to Civil Justice

At Kaiser Romanello, our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys specialize in cases like the Corsette case, where criminal charges alone don't fully address the victims' suffering. The Corsette family's pursuit of civil accountability highlights multiple avenues for recovery under Florida law — including direct claims against the perpetrators, a landmark federal action against Grindr, and survival damages for Miranda Corsette's pre-death pain and suffering.

Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

The Corsette family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit under Fla. Stat. § 768.21 to recover damages for:

• Grief and mental anguish suffered by Miranda Corsette's young child and grandmother
• Lost support and companionship
• Medical and funeral expenses, even without recoverable remains

Evidence from police reports, witness statements, and forensic analysis can prove liability, ensuring the Corsette family's surviving loved ones receive the compensation they deserve. We explain the full Florida Wrongful Death Act framework in our Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer hub.

The Corsette v. Grindr Lawsuit — $750M Civil Action

Kaiser Romanello, P.A. has filed a landmark lawsuit on behalf of the Corsette family against Grindr, LLC — Corsette v. Grindr, LLC, Case No. 8:25-cv-01260-TPB-AEP — in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Corsette v. Grindr complaint alleges:

• Grindr's lax age verification — relying only on self-reported birthdates — allowed a minor like Miranda Corsette to access the app
• Hyper-precise geolocation features facilitated immediate, dangerous in-person encounters between minors and predators
• Grindr's design choices prioritized anonymity over safety, attracting and enabling predators
• The platform's marketing and operational practices created foreseeable, preventable risk to minors

Despite the federal protections provided to online platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the Corsette v. Grindr lawsuit argues that Grindr's affirmative design and marketing choices created foreseeable risks for minors — taking the conduct outside Section 230's safe harbor. The Corsette case seeks $150 million in compensatory damages, up to $600 million in punitive damages, and court-ordered reforms including robust age verification. The Corsette v. Grindr case could set a precedent for online platforms' duty of care to minors throughout the United States.

Additional Avenues for Civil Justice and Compensation

Before her death, Miranda Corsette endured days of unimaginable torture, including savage beatings and sexual abuse over allegations of stolen jewelry. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 46.021), the Corsette estate can claim survival damages for her pre-death pain and suffering, supported by police reports, witness statements, and expert forensic evidence. This honors her struggle and provides additional compensation beyond the wrongful death claim.

The abuse occurred on Gress and Brandes' property, potentially opening a premises liability claim for failing to maintain a safe environment. The Corsette legal team explores all angles, including potential claims against others who knew of the captivity but failed to act, to ensure comprehensive accountability.

While criminal trials punish offenders, civil lawsuits provide financial recovery and force systemic change. They empower victims' families to hold enablers — like negligent apps — accountable, preventing future tragedies. At Kaiser Romanello, our wrongful death attorneys have a proven track record of securing verdicts that honor victims and support healing for their families.

Call to Action: Join the Fight for a Safer Future

Miranda Corsette's story is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online, especially for vulnerable teens. Predators must not go unchecked. Here's how you can help:

• Spread Awareness: Share the Corsette case story to educate others about online risks. Warn teens and parents about unverified apps.
• Advocate for Change: Contact lawmakers to demand stricter online safety laws, including mandatory age verification and predator monitoring.
• Support Victims: Donate to organizations focused on child safety, mental health, and anti-trafficking efforts.
• Seek Legal Help: If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligence, wrongful death, or online predation, contact Kaiser Romanello today for a free consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Corsette Case

This blog provides general information about the Corsette case and does not constitute legal advice for any specific case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its individual facts. For personalized guidance, contact Kaiser Romanello, P.A. at (844) 877-8679.