As testimony in the homicide trial of Thomas G. Stanko enters its fifth day, Westmoreland County prosecutors have shifted their focus to the physical evidence recovered from the defendant’s property.

The trial, presided over by Judge Michael Stewart, centers on the April 2018 disappearance of 51-year-old Cassandra Gross.

Stanko, 55, of Unity, faces charges of criminal homicide and reckless burning. While Gross was legally declared deceased by the court in 2019, her remains have never been found. This week, prosecutors are tasked with connecting Stanko to her disappearance through a trail of forensic evidence and personal belongings.

State police investigator Matthew Pergar took the stand Friday, presenting aerial photos of key locations tied to the case. Pergar was the only witness to offer testimony Friday morning.

He provided a detailed account of the April 12, 2018, search of Stanko’s residence — conducted just three days after Gross’ family reported her missing.

During that search, investigators discovered the specific grocery items Gross had texted Stanko to purchase for dinner on the day she vanished.

Pergar further testified that Stanko’s white pickup truck was found parked behind the house. In the bed of the vehicle, Pergar noted he spotted suspected blood on a metal toolbox.

The focus of the morning testimony then moved to the contents of a fire ring and a burn barrel located on the property. Pergar testified that police recovered charred remnants of items belonging to Gross, including:

• Remains of two magazines with an address label on one of the magazines still bearing Gross’ name.

• Two metal arms from Coach brand eyeglasses and a clothing label with a “Michael Kors” stamp.

• A pink cloth with a brand label and a glass vial.

Pergar noted the vial was consistent with the specific medication Gross used to treat her diabetic dog.

He also said that investigatoers determined Gross had purchased Coach eyeglasses at a Westmoreland Mall store a month before she disappeared. Police bought an identical pair from the store and found they matched what was found in the burn barrel.