On April 7, 2018, 51-year-old Cassandra 'Cassie' Gross, a female from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, vanished after speaking with her mother on the phone while driving. This phone call would be the last time her family heard from her. Two days later, on April 9th, concern grew when she failed to show up for work. That same day, her beloved dog, Baxter, who was blind and diabetic, was discovered wandering alone. The following day, a grim discovery was made when Gross's red Mitsubishi Outlander was found completely burned out near railroad tracks in Twin Lakes Park. These events marked the beginning of a long and agonizing search for answers for her family and community.
The investigation into Cassandra Gross's disappearance quickly focused on her ex-boyfriend, Thomas Stanko. Their relationship was described by Gross's family as volatile, and they reported that he had stalked and threatened her. Investigators uncovered a trail of circumstantial evidence that pointed toward Stanko's involvement. Searches of his properties revealed burn barrels and pits containing charred remnants of what were believed to be Gross's belongings, including pieces of her clothing, eyeglasses, and a vial of her dog's insulin. Despite extensive searches, Cassandra's body was never found, leading a judge to declare her legally dead in January 2019.
Years after she vanished, the case culminated in a 'no-body' homicide trial. In February 2026, Thomas Stanko was found guilty of first-degree murder and reckless burning. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The prosecution presented over 300 pieces of evidence and called more than 30 witnesses, successfully arguing that Stanko had killed Gross and disposed of her remains. While the conviction brought a measure of justice for Cassandra's loved ones, the location of her remains is still unknown, leaving her family with a continued sense of unresolved grief. The case is a somber reminder of a life cut short by violence and the enduring pain experienced by those left behind.
Last Seen: Apr 7, 2018
