Jury selection in the criminal homicide trial of a Unity man charged with killing his former girlfriend is scheduled to begin Monday morning in a Westmoreland County courtroom.
Thomas G. Stanko, 55, was charged in 2022 with criminal homicide in connection with the disappearance of Cassandra Gross five years earlier. Prosecutors contend Stanko killed Gross, 52, of Unity and burned her body. Gross’ remains have never been found.
Gross was reported missing by her parents in April 2018 and was declared dead by a county judge the following year. Investigators named Stanko as a person of interest almost immediately, and suspicions regarding his involvement grew as the investigation continued over several years.
According to court documents, prosecutors have amassed physical and circumstantial evidence they claim details a violent relationship between Stanko and Gross, as well as allegations of a history of violence against other women with whom he was romantically involved.
Stanko has maintained his innocence. Defense attorney Marc Daffner declined to comment in the weeks leading up to the trial, but he has stated previously that prosecutors will be unable to prove Stanko killed Gross.
During pretrial proceedings, the defense unsuccessfully argued that without Gross’ remains, prosecutors cannot prove a murder occurred.
Information made public during pretrial hearings revealed that investigators found a burn barrel on Stanko’s property containing charred remains. These were determined to be pieces of Gross’ eyeglasses, clothing and the tip of an insulin pencil she likely used to care for her dog. The dog was found near her burned-out vehicle, which was discovered near Twin Lakes Park days after she was reported missing.
Police also stated that Stanko discarded a bag of burned items as he fled from officers who were attempting to arrest him in an unrelated case six days after Gross’ disappearance.
Westmoreland County court officials said 120 jurors have been ordered to report to the courthouse Monday for the first day of jury selection. The process is expected to take two days, with testimony slated to begin Wednesday morning before Common Pleas Judge Michael Stewart II.
Officials estimate the trial could last two weeks.