Evidence linking Unity woman's death to Thomas Stanko revealed in court filing

A Unity man prosecutors contend killed his girlfriend, although her body hasn’t been found, was suspected of prior abuse against her and former wives, according to court filings.

Thomas G. Stanko, 53, was charged in late 2022 with criminal homicide, tampering with evidence and abuse of corpse in connection with the death of 52-year-old Cassandra Gross, who went missing on April 7, 2018.

Prosecutors, in a court filing this week, outlined evidence that bolsters the case against Stanko.

Gross’ burned-out vehicle was found days later in a wooded area near Twin Lakes Park, east of Greensburg but her body has never been found.

Prosecutors said Stanko killed her and covered up the crime when he burned and discarded her remains.

A judge declared Gross dead in 2019. Her remains have never been located despite a series of searches in and around her and Stanko’s homes over the last several years.

Neighbors contend Stanko stalked and prowled around Gross’ residence for six months before she went missing, according to court papers. His behavior included repeated door knocking, doorbell ringing and peering into windows, neighbors said.

In October 2017, authorities said Stanko gave a letter to Gross in which he promised to never commit verbal or physical abuse.

Four months before Gross disappeared, prosecutors said she appeared at the Latrobe Police Department. Gross claimed she was followed there by Stanko, was scared and told police he abused her and that she feared she would be a future victim of violence.

Prosecutors contend two former spouses claimed they were threatened by Stanko. One former wife is expected to testify Stanko threatened to kill her and burn her remains. Another will contend Stanko threatened to kill her and boasted that her body would never be found.

A former girlfriend filed a protection from abuse against him in 2007 in which she claimed Stanko threatened to kill her and her children, prosecutors contend.

“This evidence is admissible to demonstrate the defendant’s identity as Gross’ killer, his motive and or intent, that the victim’s disappearance and death were not attributable to an accident or mistake, the defendant’s common plan or design and to establish the complete sequence of events,” prosecutors said.

Defense attorney Marc Daffner declined to comment about the details contained in the prosecution’s court filing.

“It’s new to me. I haven’t seen the motion yet and it’s better left to be discussed with the court at this point,” Daffner said.

Stanko is serving a seven-year federal sentence for illegal gun possession, weapons authorities said were found in his home during a search for Gross’ remains.

Daffner said Stanko continues to maintain his innocence in connection with Gross’ death.

“He has always said he had nothing to do with this,” Daffner said.

A date for Stanko’s murder trial has not been set.