Authorities now believe that after the murder and dismemberment of Corsette—who leaves behind a one-year-old child—the couple accused of this heinous crime went out to celebrate a birthday shortly afterward. This shocking detail adds a chilling layer to their already disturbing behavior during the investigation.

According to a search warrant request from the St. Petersburg Police Department, obtained by The Tampa Bay Times, Steven Gress, 35, and Michelle Brandes, 37, allegedly spent time together celebrating Brandes’ birthday after Corsette’s tragic death.

The document reveals that the couple dined at Popeyes and played mini-golf at Congo River in Clearwater. Following their celebrations, they are believed to have driven around the Tampa Bay area looking for suitable places to dispose of Corsette’s body, demonstrating a level of cold detachment in the aftermath of their crime.

Eventually, police believe they chose a dumpster near Gress’ grandparents’ home in Ruskin to dispose of Corsette’s remains. It’s tragic to note that Corsette was living with her grandparents at the time of her disappearance, with her grandmother describing her as a habitual runaway to the police when she reported her missing.

The St. Petersburg Police Department suspects that the alleged killers caught a lucky break with the dumpster they chose. According to the warrant, their investigation indicates that the dumpster was taken to a landfill where its contents were subsequently incinerated, complicating the search for evidence.

As a result, Corsette’s remains have yet to be recovered, although the prosecution is moving forward with its case against Gress and Brandes, highlighting the challenges faced in securing justice for the victim.

In their efforts to build a case, prosecutors and investigators have interviewed at least six individuals, according to Fox affiliate WTVT, who allege that the couple admitted to abusing Corsette during the week she was with them or that they were aware of the abuse taking place.

Numerous neighbors reportedly informed authorities that Gress boasted to them about his treatment of Corsette, even making shocking claims such as, “This little bitch stole my ring and won’t give it back, so I’ve been beating her ass.” This alarming behavior highlights a concerning pattern of violence and aggression.

Gress allegedly sent nude images of the minor to at least three individuals, including his mother, showing her deteriorating condition and injuries. Although his mother denied receiving them, police are seeking a warrant to obtain her phone’s contents, indicating the seriousness of the investigation. Disturbingly, none of the individuals contacted about Corsette called 911, raising questions about their inaction.

A woman who allegedly lived with Gress and Brandes informed investigators that Gress had a history of abusive behavior, as detailed in the arrest warrant. She claimed he would go to the extent of purchasing animals off Craigslist and killing them by throwing them off a bridge, depicting a disturbing pattern of violence.

The roommate also spoke about the alleged missing ring that authorities believe prompted Gress to initiate the abuse against Corsette. During the week of torture, Brandes appeared with the ring, suggesting she may have had it all along and only pretended it was lost to incite Gress to eliminate Corsette.

Despite the many individuals police have consulted during the ongoing investigation, Sixth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bruce Bartlett informed the Times that there have been no additional arrests made yet, but he indicated there is a “fairly good chance of more to come,” suggesting that the investigation is far from over.

On February 24, Corsette’s grandmother reported her missing. During the investigation, detectives discovered that Corsette had first contacted Gress through the dating app Grindr on Valentine’s Day, leading to the tragic series of events.

It was determined that she initially agreed to meet him at his residence, returned home, and then went back to his house once more. This time, however, she did not return, raising alarms among her loved ones.

Corsette’s grandmother noted, “She usually comes home, so I don’t report her missing every time she leaves,” as Farrand informed the press about the frequent runaway. “She just didn’t come back in a timely manner this time, which raised concerns.”

Authorities believe that Corsette had been staying with Gress and his “domestic partner” Brandes since her last departure. However, on February 20, a significant dispute reportedly occurred, resulting in her being beaten, according to the report. This argument allegedly revolved around the missing ring, as indicated by NDTV.

According to the arrest affidavit released on Saturday and reviewed by NDTV, Corsette was allegedly held against her will for over seven days and subjected to brutal torture. During this harrowing period, both Gress and Brandes are accused of physically assaulting the teenager and ultimately suffocating her with a billiard ball, wrapping her face with plastic to ensure her demise.

Following her death, authorities indicated that Gress transported Corsette’s body in a vehicle for approximately 15 miles to a residence in Largo, which belonged to Brandes’ mother. The physical evidence collected from the home led police to conclude that it was likely there that Corsette’s body was dismembered, as detailed in the release.

After dismembering her remains, it is believed that Gress and Brandes took the time to celebrate Brandes’ birthday before heading to Gress’ grandparents’ home to dispose of Corsette’s body, illustrating a shocking lack of remorse in their actions.

Corsette’s body was allegedly disposed of on Friday, March 7, in Hillsborough County, Florida, nearly two weeks after her grandmother reported her missing. At the time of her disappearance, Corsette was homeschooled and lived with her grandmother following the deaths of both her parents, adding another layer of tragedy to this case.

In a press conference held on Friday, March 7, Commander Mary Farrand, acting police chief for Gulfport, stated that the department was “very familiar” with Corsette, as she was a “frequent runaway” with a “history of mental health issues as well as drug abuse,” highlighting the complexities surrounding her case.

At the time of their arrest, both suspects were charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. Gress was already in custody for an unrelated drug charge and for allegedly threatening Brandes with a harpoon. Brandes surrendered the following day, according to a press release from the St. Petersburg Police Department.

During his first court appearance, Gress allegedly remarked to the judge after the charges were read, “They just said I suffocated—” according to NBC affiliate WFLA, before his public defender interrupted him, advising, “Don’t say anymore,” indicating the legal strategy being employed.

He repeatedly inquired about his co-defendant, captured on video shared by Fox affiliate WTVT, asking, “Where is Michelle Brandes?” multiple times. The judge simply instructed him, “Talk to your lawyer,” emphasizing the serious nature of the charges against them.

Both suspects are currently being held at Pinellas County Jail without bond, as they await further legal proceedings regarding this horrific case.