Crime
12-year-old Jeremiah Nelson killed in accidental shooting at James Park Apartments in St. Petersburg
A key focus of the inquiry is determining how the young boy gained access to the firearm.
A tragic accidental shooting claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy at the James Park Apartments in St. Petersburg on Monday evening, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the apartment complex located along 3rd Avenue North.
Upon arrival, officers found 12-year-old Jeremiah D. Nelson suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency responders transported him to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Detectives from the St. Petersburg Police Department have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
A key focus of the inquiry is determining how the young boy gained access to the firearm.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this tragic event to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department as they continue to investigate and work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of firearm safety and secure storage to protect children and families from preventable tragedies.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the kidnapping and murder of 16-year-old Miranda Corsette.
On Saturday morning, March 9, Michelle Brandes, 37, the domestic partner of Steven Gress, 35, surrendered to police.
Brandes is now in custody and has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Corsette’s death.
Meanwhile, Gress, who was already in custody on unrelated charges, has also been formally charged with first-degree murder for his role in the brutal killing.
On March 6, a witness contacted authorities with critical information regarding a possible kidnapping and homicide involving Corsette, who had been reported missing on February 24 to the Gulfport Police Department.
Through the course of their investigation, detectives uncovered the following disturbing timeline:
- February 14 – Miranda Corsette met Steven Gress for the first time after being lured via a social media app. She returned home that night.
- February 15 – Corsette voluntarily returned to Gress’s home, a duplex located at 2708 27th Ave. N.
- February 20 – A dispute occurred inside the home, during which Corsette was brutally beaten.
- Sometime between February 20 and February 24 – Corsette was killed at the residence.
After the murder, investigators determined that Gress transported Corsette’s body to a residence at 12243 Mallory Drive in Largo.
Evidence at the Largo home suggests the victim was dismembered before being taken to Hillsborough County, where Gress disposed of her remains in a dumpster at 2893 14th Ave. S.E. in Ruskin.
Authorities have located the dumpster and are conducting an intensive search for Corsette’s remains.
Arrests and Charges
- Steven Gress, 35
- First-degree murder (Miranda Corsette)
- Kidnapping
- Prior arrests (March 5) for aggravated assault with a harpoon and drug possession
- Michelle Brandes, 37
- First-degree murder (turned herself in on March 9)
This remains an active and ongoing investigation, with additional charges likely as authorities continue gathering evidence.
The St. Petersburg Police Department extends gratitude to multiple local, state, and federal agencies assisting in this complex investigation, including:
- Gulfport Police Department
- Largo Police Department
- Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- State and federal partners
Further updates will be provided as new details emerge.