The Thomas G. Stanko trial in Westmoreland County court could see a verdict today in the 2018 disappearance of Cassandra Gross.
Closing arguments are set to begin this morning after Judge Michael Stewart and the lawyers set final instructions to be read to jurors before they deliberate.
Nearly every courtroom seat is filled ahead of closing arguments.
Nearly every seat in Westmoreland County’s ceremonial courtroom is filled ahead of closing arguments.
— Rich Cholodofsky (@RichCholodofsky) February 11, 2026
Stanko, 55, of Unity, is charged with criminal homicide and reckless burning in connection with the disappearance of Gross, 51. While Gross was legally declared dead in 2019, her remains have never been found. Prosecutors contend Stanko killed Gross following a meeting on April 7, 2018, before burning her body and discarding her remains.
Defense attorney Marc Daffner will be first up to address the jury. The prosecution will follow with its closing argument.
Stanko spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time regarding Gross’ disappearance when he took the stand in his own defense. He denied any involvement.
If Stanko is convicted of first-degree murder, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.