A trial in Pennsylvania is grabbing attention as shocking new details emerge about a man accused of murdering his girlfriend, burning her car, and trying to erase all evidence. Though the victim’s body hasn’t been found, the prosecution believes they have enough proof to show that Thomas Stanko is responsible.
Who Is Thomas Stanko and What Is He Accused Of?
Thomas Stanko, a 55-year-old man from Westmoreland County, is on trial for the presumed murder of Cassandra Gross, a 51-year-old woman who went missing in 2018. He has been charged with:
- Criminal homicide
- Reckless burning
- Tampering with evidence
- Abuse of a corpse
Even though Cassandra’s body has not been recovered, prosecutors say Stanko killed her in the spring of 2018 and tried to cover his tracks by destroying key evidence, including her vehicle.
What Happened to Cassandra Gross?
Cassandra Gross was last seen on April 7, 2018, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The very next day, her red Mitsubishi SUV was found completely burned in Unity Township, about five miles away. Her blind and diabetic dog was found wandering nearby, raising further concern.
Authorities believe Cassandra had gone to meet Stanko on the day she vanished.
Why Was Stanko Not Charged Immediately?
Although Stanko was arrested just days after Cassandra went missing, he wasn’t formally charged with her disappearance until October 2022. Still, he has been behind bars since 2018, serving time for separate federal gun charges.
Prosecution Relies on Circumstantial Evidence
Because there is no body or murder weapon, the case depends heavily on circumstantial evidence. Prosecutors have presented:
- Voicemails in which Stanko reportedly cursed at Cassandra, called her a “cheater” and “liar,” and said he was “done” with her.
- Text messages and photos supporting claims of a toxic, threatening relationship.
- Witness testimony suggesting suspicious behavior around the time Cassandra disappeared.
What Witnesses Are Saying
One key witness, Harry Berkey, who lived near both Stanko and his mother, testified that:
- On April 8, 2018, he saw Cassandra’s red SUV pull up to Stanko’s mother’s home. He couldn’t tell who was driving.
- Shortly after, he saw Stanko’s white pickup truck arrive with a backhoe attached.
- He then saw the SUV leave the house slowly, followed by the return of Stanko and his mother later that day.
Police suspect that Stanko and his mother (now deceased) may have worked together to dispose of Cassandra’s body.
Disturbing Claims by Cassandra’s Mother
Cassandra’s mother, Kathe Gross, also testified. She told the court how Cassandra first met Stanko — through a note he had left on her door that said, “If you want a friend, call this number.”
Kathe also shared how Cassandra had told her she was scared of Stanko:
- He would show up uninvited at her home.
- He would ring her doorbell, stand outside her kitchen window, or pound on the door trying to get in.
- In a heartbreaking message to a friend, Cassandra wrote, “If anything happens to me, make sure [my son] knows how much I love him.”
The Defence Pushes Back
Stanko has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer argues that the prosecution lacks concrete proof, insisting that his client had no clear reason to harm Cassandra. Without a body or murder weapon, the defence believes the case is built on shaky ground.
How Long Will the Trial Last?
The trial, taking place in Westmoreland County Court, is expected to last two weeks. As emotional testimony continues and new details come to light, the case remains one of the most gripping in the region.
This case reveals the emotional pain and mystery that can surround a missing person’s case. Even without a body, the law can move forward based on the actions, history, and evidence left behind. As the trial unfolds, many are watching closely, hoping for justice for Cassandra Gross.
