A multi-agency manhunt following the grisly discovery of a woman’s body on Hollywood Beach has ended with the arrest of a 28-year-old Florida man.
Police took Brandon McCray into custody at his home on Dec. 30, four days after early risers found 56-year-old Heather Asendorf dead on the sand.
While McCray is the primary suspect in the death investigation, he currently faces a slate of other violent felony charges, including armed sexual battery, kidnapping, and battery by strangulation.
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The investigation began at 7 a.m. on Dec. 26, when officers responded to reports of a deceased person on the beach. Witnesses described a disturbing scene to local outlets. One bystander told NBC affiliate WTVJ that the body was wrapped in a white blanket, while another reported seeing a “blood trail” leading away from where Asendorf was discovered.
Asendorf was a Pennsylvania native known to frequent the Hollywood area. Investigators have not yet disclosed if she and McCray knew each other prior to the incident.
Detectives worked with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to track down McCray, arresting him without incident.
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During his first court appearance on New Year’s Eve, prosecutors unveiled the initial charges, though authorities have signaled that additional charges are likely forthcoming as the homicide investigation continues.
McCray is currently being held at the Broward County Jail on a $770,000 bond.
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