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Miranda Corsette’s Tragic Murder: Kaiser Romanello Leads the Fight for Justice
We Don’t Take “Low” for an Answer!
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 Accident & Injury Attorneys 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 Miranda’s family.
Summary of the Miranda 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. Miranda, a young mother who lived with her grandmother and was homeschooled after losing her parents, met Gress on Grindr—a dating app intended for adults—on February 14, 2025. She visited his St. Petersburg home the next day and was held captive.
According to police reports and court documents:
- Between February 20 and 24, Miranda 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 her family closure.
- Several people reportedly knew Miranda 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 led to the investigation, and Brandes turned herself in on March 8. Gress was already in custody on unrelated charges. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway described it as a “horrific crime” and vowed to pursue justice relentlessly. For more details, read the full story on CBS News.
Legal Insights: Pursuing Justice Through Civil Action
At Kaiser Romanello, our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys specialize in cases like this, where criminal charges alone don’t fully address the victims’ suffering. Miranda’s case highlights multiple avenues for civil accountability under Florida law.
Wrongful Death Claims in Florida
Miranda’s family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit (Fla. Stat. § 768.21) to recover damages for:
- Grief and mental anguish suffered by her 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 her loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.
Holding the Dating App Accountable
Kaiser Romanello has filed a landmark lawsuit against Grindr, LLC (Case No. 8:25-cv-01260-TPB-AEP) in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The suit alleges:
- Grindr’s lax age verification—relying only on self-reported birthdates—allowed a minor like Miranda to access the app.
- Hyper-precise geolocation features facilitated immediate, dangerous encounters.
- Negligence in prioritizing anonymity over safety, attracting predators.
Despite federal protections under Section 230, we argue Grindr’s design and marketing created foreseeable risks for minors. The lawsuit seeks $150 million in compensatory damages, up to $600 million in punitive damages, and court-ordered reforms like robust age verification. This case could set a precedent for online platforms’ duty of care.
Additional Avenues for Civil Justice and Compensation
Before her death, Miranda endured days of unimaginable torture, including savage beatings and sexual abuse over allegations of stolen jewelry. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 46.021), her estate can claim survival damages for her pain and suffering, supported by police reports, witness statements, and expert forensic evidence. This honors her struggle and provides additional compensation beyond wrongful death claims.
The abuse occurred on Gress and Brandes’ property, potentially opening a premises liability claim for failing to maintain a safe environment. We explore all angles, including potential claims against others who knew of the captivity but didn’t 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 lawyers have a proven track record of securing verdicts that honor victims and support healing.
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 Miranda’s 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. Every contribution makes a difference.
- 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.
Visit our website for resources, case updates, and more. Let’s honor Miranda by building a safer world. Call 844-877-8679 now—justice starts with one call.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique; contact Kaiser Romanello for personalized guidance.
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