Crime
20-year-old John Ja’ McCray shot and killed by his 16-year-old brother at Bridgeport Apartments in Lincoln
According to Captain Ben Miller, the two brothers had arrived at the apartment in separate vehicles.
A 20-year-old man, identified as John Ja’ McCray, was fatally shot by his 16-year-old brother in what Lincoln Police have described as a tragic case of mistaken identity early on Christmas Eve.
The shooting occurred at the Bridgeport Apartments near 14th and Hilltop around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire and found McCray suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside the apartment complex.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to Captain Ben Miller, the two brothers had arrived at the apartment in separate vehicles.
The 16-year-old, who had reportedly been attacked two days earlier near 21st and K Streets, told investigators that he spotted a man dressed in dark clothing and, fearing for his safety, fired several shots without realizing the individual was his older brother.
Both brothers were armed at the time of the incident. Police recovered the victim’s firearm at the scene.
The 16-year-old has been taken into custody and is facing charges of manslaughter and use of a weapon to commit a felony.
The names of the individuals involved have not been formally released by authorities.
The Lincoln Police Department continues to investigate the shooting, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence. They have urged anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward.
Contact Information for Tips:
- Call Lincoln Police: 402-441-6000
- Call Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 402-475-3600
- Report online: lincolncrimestoppers.com
This marks the 8th homicide in Lincoln in 2024. Authorities and community members alike are mourning the heartbreaking loss of life in this preventable tragedy.
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.