A Florida man is suspected of abducting, strangling, and sexually harassing a 56-year-old Pennsylvania woman, who was discovered dead under a tarp on a South Florida beach the morning after Christmas.
Brandon Ward McCray, 28, was apprehended by Hollywood Police and the US Marshals Service for the alleged disturbing crimes against Heather Asendorf, who was visiting friends in the seaside town over the holidays.
According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, a passerby discovered Asendorf’s body on a beach near Cleveland Street in Hollywood, Florida, shortly after 7 a.m. on December 26.
Her cause of death was unknown, but foul play was suspected.
According to her friend Steve Sarsfield, Asendorf was staying at a hotel about a block away from where her body was recovered.
Her friends knew her as “Barbie” because of her colorful personality and flashy clothing, which included blonde wigs.
“Rainbow Brite and Barbie mixed together,” Sarsfield added.
The Hallandale Beach man last saw his companion on December 24 at the Hollywood Beach Bandshell, an outdoor theater and plaza where Asendorf used to hang out and dance during her Florida travels.
“She was a very sweet girl. Everyone truly liked her. Sarsfield described his acquaintance of 25 years as performing her dance.
Officials confirmed that Asendorf and McCray knew each other, but provided no further details regarding their relationship.
McCray was arrested on Dec. 30 and charged with two counts of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual violence of a victim over the age of 12, kidnapping, strangling, and battery, according to records obtained by The Post.
He has not been charged with Asendorf’s murder.
The 310-pound suspect has three distinct tattoos, including “Sophia,” “Stay Humble Hustle Hard,” and “Love Yours,” according to arrest records obtained by The Post.
Police have not revealed how they linked McCray to Asendorf’s killing and sealed his arrest warrant.
“This case remains an active criminal investigation,” Hollywood police stated. “There is no indication of a broader threat to the community.”
McCray was arrested less than two weeks before Asendorf died on an outstanding warrant for disorderly drunkenness and resistance in 2023. On December 19, he posted bond and was released from jail.
According to records, he is being held in the North Broward County Jail on a $770,000 bail and subject to GPS monitoring.
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