Crime
18-year-old woman dead, 38-year-old man injured inside vehicle in South Loop
Chicago police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Friday night in the city’s South Loop neighborhood, leaving an 18-year-old woman dead and a 38-year-old man injured.
According to authorities, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of East 21st Street shortly before midnight. Upon arrival, they discovered two gunshot victims inside a vehicle.
A witness informed police that the victims had been targeted by gunfire from another moving vehicle, though no suspect description has been released at this time.
Police confirmed that 18-year-old Deshaunte suffered two gunshot wounds to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, a 38-year-old man, sustained a gunshot wound to the hand.
He was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he is reported to be in good condition.
No additional injuries were reported in the incident.
Detectives from Area Three are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. At this time, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not disclosed any possible motive.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Chicago Police Department or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers.
This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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.