Florida – In a fatal incident unfolding in Florida, authorities have arrested 35-year-old Stephen and his 37-year-old partner, Michele, in connection with the brutal murder of 16-year-old Mirranda. Both individuals face charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
The 35-year-old man was initially detained last week 5 for unrelated offenses, including aggravated assault and drug possession. Subsequent investigations linked him to the victim’s disappearance, leading to additional charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder. The defendant’s girlfriend surrendered to authorities several days later and now faces identical charges.
According to law enforcement, the victim met the defendant through a sociaI media platform last month. After their initial meeting, she returned to his residence the following day and remained there. Between February 20 and 24, the man and his partner allegedly accused the girl of stealing a piece of jeweIry, which escalated into a violent confrontation.
The couple reportedly held her captive for over a week, during which they subjected her to repeated physical abuse. The situation culminated in her death by suffocation; investigators allege that the defendant and the 37-year-old woman forced a biIIiard ball into the victim’s mouth and wrapped her head in plastic, leading to her death.
Following the girl’s death, the 35-year-old man transported her body to another residence, where evidence suggests the body was dismembered. The remains were then disposed of in a dumpster.
Authorities in Florida are actively working to recover the body, with efforts focused on a landfill where the dumpster’s contents were likely transported.
The victim, who was homeschooled, lived with her grandparent and was the mother of an 11-month-old baby, police Chief HoIIoway said during a press conference. She was reported missing on February 24, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to the arrests of the defendant and his girlfriend.
The 35-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently held without bail at the county jail. Details regarding the 37-year-old woman’s plea status have not been disclosed. The investigation remains active, with authorities indicating that additional charges may be forthcoming as they continue to gather evidence in this case.