Florida brute suspected in abducting, harassing Pennsylvania woman later found dead on beach

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A Florida man is suspected of abducting, strangling and sexually harassing a 56-year-old Pennsylvania lady who was later discovered useless beneath a tarp on a South Florida seaside the morning after Christmas.

Brandon Ward McCray, 28, was captured by Hollywood Police and the US Marshals Service for the alleged disturbing crimes towards Heather Asendorf, who was staying within the seaside city visiting buddies for the vacations.

Asendorf’s physique was found by a passerby on a seaside in Hollywood, Florida, close to Cleveland Road simply after 7 a.m. on Dec. 26, based on the South Florida Solar-Sentinel.

Officers take away the physique of Heather Asendorf from a Hollywood Seashore in Florida on Dec. 26, 2025. NBC6 Florida

Her reason behind demise was not revealed, however foul play was suspected.

Asendorf had been residing at a lodge a block from the place her physique was discovered, her good friend Steve Sarsfield instructed the outlet.

She was referred to as “Barbie” by her buddies due to her colourful persona and shiny outfits, together with blonde wigs.

“Rainbow Brite and Barbie blended collectively,” Sarsfield mentioned.

The Hallandale Seashore resident final noticed his good friend on Dec. 24 on the Hollywood Seashore Bandshell, an outside theater and plaza, the place Asendorf was identified to hang around and dance throughout her Florida journeys.

“She was a extremely candy woman. All people actually appreciated her. She did her personal dance,” Sarsfield mentioned about his good friend of 25 years.

Brandon Ward McCray was charged with two counts of sexual assault with a weapon sexual battery of a sufferer over 12 years of age, kidnapping, battery by strangulation and battery. Broward County Sheriffs Workplace

Asendorf’s reason behind demise was not revealed, however foul play was suspected. NBC6 Florida

Officers revealed that Asendorf and McCray had identified one another, however didn't provide additional details about their relationship.

McCray was arrested on Dec. 30 and charged with two counts of sexual assault with a weapon sexual battery of a sufferer over 12 years of age, kidnapping, battery by strangulation and battery, based on information seen by The Publish.

He has not been charged with Asendorf’s homicide.

The 310-pound suspect has three distinct tattoos, together with “Sophia,” “Keep Humble Hustle Arduous,” and “Love Yours,” based on arrest information seen by The Publish.

Asendorf’s physique was found by a passerby on a seaside in Hollywood, Florida, close to Cleveland Road simply after 7 a.m. on Dec. 26. NBC6 Florida

McCray has not been charged with Asendorf’s homicide. NBC6 Florida

Police didn't reveal how they related McCray to Asendorf’s demise and sealed his arrest warrant.

“This case stays an lively prison investigation,” Hollywood police mentioned. “There is no such thing as a indication of a broader menace to the group.”

McCray was arrested lower than two weeks earlier than Asendorf’s demise, on an excellent warrant for disorderly intoxication and resisting in 2023. He bonded out of jail on Dec. 19.