Crime
Police Investigate Reported Shooting in New Port Richey Following Road Rage Incident
Authorities in New Port Richey are actively investigating a reported shooting near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Congress Street.
Witnesses on the scene have stated that at least one individual was struck by gunfire, prompting an ongoing police response.
According to initial reports, the incident began as a road rage dispute near a local gas station.
The situation quickly escalated when one of the individuals involved produced an AR-style firearm and began shooting.
Witnesses stated that the gunfire struck one person near a nearby bar.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, where multiple businesses were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
The area remains cordoned off as authorities process the scene. Jersey Girls Bar has been taped off by police as part of the ongoing investigation.
Despite the police presence, Home Saloon has confirmed that its establishment remains open for business and that none of its staff or patrons were directly affected by the incident.
The New Port Richey Police Department has not yet officially confirmed the details of the shooting but stated that a supervisor would provide further information as soon as possible.
This remains a developing situation, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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.