No Body Found: Homicide Trial Begins in Cassandra Gross Case

Eight years after Cassandra Gross disappeared, a criminal homicide trial against Thomas Stanko has commenced in Westmoreland County. Gross was reported missing in April 2018 and officially declared dead in January 2019, with Stanko charged with her murder in October 2022, despite Gross's body never being recovered.

Opening statements were delivered on Wednesday, with prosecutors alleging Stanko killed and concealed Gross and her belongings. They intend to present two weeks of circumstantial evidence, such as witness accounts, photos, and texts, to prove Stanko's guilt. The defense countered that the prosecution's claims are not evidence, characterizing Stanko as a father and business owner with no apparent motive.

Key testimony began with Cassandra Gross's mother, Kathe Gross, who recounted her daughter's distress over Stanko's persistent contact. Two letters allegedly written by Stanko, which he referred to as a goodbye and himself as a victim, were submitted as evidence. Additional witnesses, including Gross's best friend and neighbors, testified about Stanko's repeated appearances at Gross's apartment and car, with one neighbor feeling Gross needed protection.

State Police troopers also testified about past incidents. Trooper Corey Hannon responded to a neighbor's call about a suspicious person, where Gross identified Stanko as her ex-boyfriend. Stanko had claimed he was only there to plow snow but agreed to cease contact. Trooper John Robinson testified about an earlier incident where Gross sought police assistance because Stanko was following her, and he agreed not to pursue her.