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Suspect arrested after detectives release video in St. Petersburg attempted homicide case

 
Published Aug. 28, 2014

ST. PETERSBURG — Detectives arrested Bruce J. Gress, 30, late Wednesday in the beating of a 21-year-old woman at a motel.

Police said Gress went to a room at the Kenwood Village Inn, 701 34th St. N, at 4 a.m. Saturday to engage in an act of prostitution. Police said he then became upset with the woman, strangled, beat and kicked her until she was unconscious, then left the room. Someone nearby heard sounds of distress coming from the room and entered to find the victim.

The woman was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, where she received surgery to repair fractures to her jaw and face. When she regained consciousness, she was able to identify Gress, police said.

Gress, who told police he was a mixed martial arts trainer and fighter, was charged with attempted first degree murder.

Police detectives had released surveillance video Wednesday in hopes someone would help identify a suspect.