Cops Make Arrest in Death of Woman Found on Florida Beach After Christmas
Florida authorities claim that they have arrested a 28-year-old man for the alleged role they alleged he played in the sexual assault and death of a 56-year-old woman, whose body was found on a beach in Hollywood the day after Christmas.
Brandon Ward McCray‘s arrest was announced by police on Monday, January 5.
But U.S. Marshals actually apprehended McCray back on Tuesday, December 30, and apparently took him into custody without incident. He has been booked on sexual battery, kidnapping, battery and battery by strangulation charges stemming from the death of Heather Asendorf.
Police said that a citizen happened upon Asendorf’s lifeless body splayed out on the sand near Cleveland Street at around 7 a.m. on December 26 and immediately called 911. First responders rushed to the scene and pronounced Asendorf dead soon after. Detectives later determined that there was evidence of foul play.
Investigators remain mum on how they were able to connect McCray to the body. “This case remains an active criminal investigation,” Hollywood Police said in a news release on the arrest. “There is no indication of a broader threat to the community.”
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McCray is being held in the Broward Main Jail on $770,000 bond, according to online records reviewed by Us Weekly. If he manages to post that amount, he will need to wear an ankle monitoring device fitted with a GPS.
Asendorf’s body was discovered beneath a tarp, and McCray was identified as a person of interest soon after her remains were identified. Police said that McCray and Asendorf were known to one another but did not elaborate further.
People who live in and visit Hollywood said that they were shocked and disturbed to learn about the grim discovery made on Hollywood Beach in the wake of the Christmas holiday.
Investigators claim that Asendorf likely died elsewhere, as there was a trail of blood leading up to the dump site.
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According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, McCray is still dealing with outstanding aggravated assault charges filed following an incident in 2023 in which he allegedly shot a gun during an altercation with workers who were attempting to tow away and repossess his car.
McCray was reportedly arrested a week before Asendorf’s remains were found. A probable cause affidavit obtained by the Sun Sentinel indicates McCray was arrested on December 18 on an outstanding warrant stemming from charges of disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer in 2023, court records confirm. He had posted bond the next day and was released.
McCray only just had his first appearance on the sexual assault charges. It was unclear if he was asked to enter pleas to the charges, and details on his defense attorney were not readily available on Monday.
The Hollywood Police Department has issued a call for information from any members of the public. Those who think they may have information pertinent to the ongoing case are urged to call (954) 967-4636 or reach out to the Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-8477.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
