A man from Florida has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a woman whose body was found on a well-visited beach just after Christmas.

Authorities apprehended Brandon Ward McCray, 28, with the help of the U.S. Marshals and Hollywood Police Department on December 30, 2025. He now faces charges including sexual battery, kidnapping, battery, and battery by strangulation, as detailed in police documents reviewed by Fox News Digital.

Law enforcement officers were alerted to the presence of a body on the sands of Hollywood Beach, roughly 15 miles from Fort Lauderdale Beach, around 7 a.m. on December 26, 2025, as reported by WPLG. The deceased, identified as 56-year-old Heather Asendorf, was declared dead at the site.

Witnesses informed NBC Miami that the body was encased in a white blanket, with a trail of blood evident from the scene.

While officials have withheld specifics about Asendorf’s cause of death, they have indicated that they suspect foul play was involved.

Officials did not release details regarding Asendorf’s cause of death, but previously stated that foul play was suspected. 

Additionally, detectives believe McCray and Asendorf knew each other prior to the alleged murder, according to WSVN.

Authorities reportedly allege Brandon Ward McCray murdered 56-year-old Heather Asendorf after her body was found on Hollywood Beach in Hollywood, Florida on Dec. 26, 2025. (iStock)

“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.”

McCray was previously charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2023 after allegedly brandishing a gun at a tow truck driver as his vehicle was being repossessed, according to NBC Miami.

Officials reportedly did not release details regarding Heather Asendorf’s cause of death, but previously stated that foul play was suspected. (iStock)

He was taken into custody at his nearby home and booked into the Broward County Main Jail on $770,000 bond, WPLG reported. 

The Hollywood Police Department and McCray’s attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.