Brandon Ward McCray, 28, was arrested on Dec. 31, 2025, in connection with the death of 56-year-old Heather Asendorf, whose body was found at about 7 a.m. the day after Christmas on Hollywood Beach. McCray faces charges of sexual battery, kidnapping, simple battery and battery by strangulation; prosecutors have not filed a murder charge. Authorities say the two were known to one another, the investigation is active, and McCray is being held without bond.
Florida Man Arrested After Woman Found Dead on Hollywood Beach the Day After Christmas
Broward County Sheriff's OfficeBrandon Ward McCray
A 28-year-old Florida man was arrested in late December in connection with the death of a 56-year-old woman whose body was found the morning after Christmas on a busy Hollywood Beach, authorities said.
Arrest and Charges: According to Broward County court records and local reporting, Brandon Ward McCray was taken into custody on Dec. 31, 2025. He faces multiple charges including sexual battery, kidnapping, simple battery and battery by strangulation. Prosecutors have not filed a murder charge in the case.
Victim and Scene: Law-enforcement documents and local outlets identified the victim as Heather Asendorf, 56, who police said was from Pennsylvania. Her body was discovered by a beachgoer at about 7 a.m. the morning after Christmas on Hollywood Beach, a well-known tourist destination on Florida's southeastern coast. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
GettyHollywood Beach, Fla.
Investigation Status: The Hollywood Police Department said McCray and Asendorf appear to have been known to one another, though officials have not disclosed the nature of their relationship. Investigators told reporters the matter remains an active criminal investigation and that authorities have released limited details while they continue to gather evidence.
Custody and Court: Court records show McCray is being held without bond. At the time the records were reviewed, no next court date was listed on the Broward County Clerk's online system. PEOPLE and local outlets reported that police have not announced additional arrests or charges.
Public Appeal: Officials have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators. PEOPLE has reached out to the Hollywood Police Department for further comment but had not received an immediate response.
Sources: Local 10, Fox 13, Sun Sentinel, Broward County court records and PEOPLE.
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