APRIL 7, 2018 — LUNCH DATE
Cassandra Gross has lunch with a friend at the Parkwood Inn in Southwest Greensburg. She called her mother at 3:35 p.m. while driving on Route 30. They made plans to see each other the following day.
APRIL 8, 2018 — NO ANSWER
Kathe Gross couldn’t get in touch with her daughter for their planned get-together, but it didn’t overly worry her.
APRIL 9, 2018 — DOG MISSING
Harry Gross went to his daughter’s townhouse for his twice-daily routine when she works: to let her blind and diabetic dog, Baxter, out. Baxter wasn’t there. They called the police. Baxter was later found wandering in the Beatty Crossroads area.
APRIL 10, 2018 — INVESTIGATION STARTS
State police announce they opened a missing persons investigation. Cassandra Gross’ Mitsubishi Outlander was found burned nearly beyond recognition parked along a rail line near Twin Lakes Park.
APRIL 11-12, 2018: PROPERTY SEARCHES
Investigators search two Unity properties owned by Thomas Stanko, 48, one on Macey Road and the other where his mother lives on White Fence Lane.
APRIL 13, 2018: UNRELATED ARREST
Stanko is arrested and jailed on a receiving stolen property charge after police reportedly find an all-terrain vehicle on his property that had been reported stolen in the 1990s.
APRIL 16, 2018 — GUN CHARGES
Stanko is charged with unlawfully having 28 guns at the property where his mother, Almira Stanko, lives. He is prohibited from having a gun because of a previous felony conviction.
APRIL 30, 2018 — CHARGES DISMISSED
The gun charges were dismissed during a preliminary hearing.
MAY 12, 2018 — VIGIL
Supporters have a candlelight vigil in Latrobe. On May 17, Cassandra Gross would have turned 52.
JUNE 25, 2018 — SEARCH CONTINUES
Investigators are seen searching near Unity Cemetery, which neighbors White Fence Lane.
JULY 2018 — RAISING FUNDS
Supporters put up a $10,000 reward for information leading to Cassandra Gross’ whereabouts.
JULY 20, 2018 — MORE SEARCHES
Investigators are again seen searching near Unity Cemetery and White Fence Lane.
SEPT. 29, 2018 — RALLY
Supporters have a rally and raise money to purchase billboards.
OCT. 28, 2018
Cassandra Gross’ family seeks to have her declared dead.
DEC. 11, 2018 — UNRELATED ARRESTS
Thomas and Almira Stanko are arrested for alleged fraudulent use of governmental benefits.
DEC. 13, 2018 — INDICTED ON GUN CHARGES
Thomas Stanko is indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally having 17 guns and ammunition.
JAN. 22, 2019 — DEATH DECLARATION
A Westmoreland County judge ruled Cassandra Gross has been the victim of a homicide and is declared legally dead.