Man gets life without parole in murder of missing woman whose body was never found

Missing woman case closes with life prison sentence Greensburg, PA — A man convicted in the disappearance and killing of his estranged girlfriend has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison, closing a case that spanned years without the victim’s remains ever being recovered. Thomas Stanko, 55, was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole following his conviction for first-degree murder in the death of Cassandra Gross. The sentencing took place in Westmoreland County Court. In addition to the life sentence, the judge imposed a consecutive term of 42 to 84 months for reckless burning. Prosecutors said Gross was reported missing in April 2018. Days later, her vehicle was discovered burned along an access road near the home of Stanko’s mother in Unity Township. Despite an extensive investigation, Gross’ remains have never been located. She was legally declared dead due to homicide in 2019. Stanko was charged in 2022 and convicted by a jury in February following a week-long trial. The case was investigated by Pennsylvania State Police and prosecuted by the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office. Key Points