Man arrested on sexual battery, kidnapping charges after woman found dead on Hollywood Beach

Man arrested in connection to woman's body found on Hollywood Beach

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Police announced an arrest Monday morning after a woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Hollywood Beach the day after Christmas.

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Hollywood police announced that they and U.S. Marshals took Brandon Ward McCray, 28, into custody on sexual battery, kidnapping, battery and battery by strangulation charges last Tuesday in connection with the death of 56-year-old Heather Asendorf.

Man arrested after woman found dead on Hollywood Beach

Police said a passerby noticed Asendorf’s body on the sand near Cleveland Street at around 7 a.m. on Dec. 26 and called authorities. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene and detectives later determined there was foul play.

Asendorf was from Pennsylvania but was known to frequent the Hollywood Beach area.

Authorities did not release any details about what tied McCray to the case and his arrest warrant was listed as sealed on the Broward Clerk of Courts website.

Police said he was arrested at his home in the 1200 block of North 17th Court.

“This case remains an active criminal investigation,” Hollywood police said in a news release. “There is no indication of a broader threat to the community.”

As of Monday morning, McCray was being held in the Broward Main Jail on a $770,000 bond, records show.

Hollywood police told Local 10 News that more charges will likely follow.

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About The Author
Chris Gothner

Chris Gothner

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

Roy Ramos

Roy Ramos

Roy Ramos joined the Local 10 News team in 2018. Roy is a South Florida native who grew up in Florida City. He attended Christopher Columbus High School, Homestead Senior High School and graduated from St. Thomas University.