Florida Man Arrested After a Woman's Body Found on Hollywood Beach

Panoramic view of Hollywood Beach and the boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida, near where a woman’s body was found on Dec. 26, 2025. (Public domain via Wikimedia Commons)

The body of 56-year-old Heather Asendorf was found early on December 26, 2025, on Hollywood Beach in Hollywood, Florida - a well-known tourist destination typically crowded with visitors during the holiday season. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Four days later, on December 30, police arrested 28-year-old Brandon Ward McCray in connection with the case.

Charges

McCray faces charges including sexual battery, kidnapping, battery, and battery by strangulation stemming from the same investigation into Asendorf’s death. Authorities had not announced homicide charges as of the time of original reporting and emphasized the investigation remained active and evolving. McCray has not been convicted of any charges. Prosecutors indicated additional charges could be considered as evidence is reviewed.

Investigation

Officials did not publicly detail how McCray was identified or what specific evidence led to his arrest. Authorities declined to comment on the cause of Asendorf’s death pending medical examiner findings and have not confirmed whether McCray and Asendorf knew each other prior to the incident.

References: Florida Man Accused of Dumping Woman’s Body on Beach | Man arrested after woman found dead on Hollywood Beach | Man arrested days after woman found dead on Hollywood Beach