Florida man arrested after woman is found dead on popular beach

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (TCN) — A 28-year-old man has been taken into custody on charges of sexual battery, kidnapping, battery, and battery by strangulation in connection with the death of a woman whose body was discovered on a beach.

On the morning of Dec. 26, 2025, a passerby who saw a body on the sand called police, WPLG reports. The victim, 56-year-old Heather Asendorf, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses who spoke to NBC Miami said the body was wrapped in a white blanket and described a blood trail leading away from the remains.

On Jan. 5, police announced they arrested Brandon McRay on Dec. 30, 2025, but did not release details about how they connected him to the case, WPLG reports. 

McRay has not been charged in Asendorf’s death, but more charges will likely follow, according to Law & Crime.

Police believe McRay and Asendorf might have known each other, per WSVN. 

NBC Miami reports McRay was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2023 after brandishing a gun at a tow truck driver during the repossession of his vehicle. 

McRay is being held at the Broward Main Jail on a $770,000 bond, according to records obtained by WPLG.