Investigators Bring In Excavator To Search Property For Cassandra Gross, Who Disappeared In 2018
LATROBE, Pa. (KDKA) - After troopers received new information, the search reignited Wednesday for Cassandra Gross, the Westmoreland County woman who disappeared 2 years ago.
Pennsylvania State Troopers tell KDKA's Meghan Schiller they immediately worked to obtain a signed search warrant after receiving the new information. Trooper Steve Limani did not elaborate as to what the "new information" entailed.
"This is just a little bit of information that we received that we thought was very valuable and obviously there was a judge that concurred with us because they signed the warrant," said Trooper Steve Limani, Pennsylvania State Police.
Criminal investigators from state police, along with Unity Township Municipal workers, brought an excavator onto the property where Thomas Stanko's mother currently lives along White Fence Lane.
Stanko, who is currently in jail for unrelated criminal charges, is considered a "person of interest" in Gross' disappearance. The property sits up against the Unity Cemetery.
RELATED STORIES:
- Family Of Missing Westmoreland County Woman Lead One Last Search
- Person Of Interest In Disappearance Of Westmoreland County Woman Facing New Charges
- Judge Declares Missing Westmoreland Co. Woman Dead, Victim Of Homicide
- Police Shift Search For Missing Latrobe Woman To Cemetery
- Person Of Interest In Westmoreland County Woman's Disappearance Jailed For Assault
- New Charges Filed Against Person Of Interest In Missing Woman Case
- Person Of Interest In Missing Latrobe Woman's Disappearance Turns Himself In
Troopers say Stanko's mother did not willingly consent to the search, which is why the search warrant proved necessary.
"We are on the backside of the property and there's about 20 people all together," said Trooper Limani.
Trooper Limani said they've already searched the home on the property, and the nearby cemetery, and now want to search deeper into the woods.
News Chopper 2 captured video as troopers, Unity Township employees and anthropology and biology professors from Seton Hill and IUP worked along the property's hills, streams and thick trees.
"We're searching this property for any evidence that might help us to try to find out where Cassandra Gross went or anything that could help us when it comes to her disappearance," said Trooper Limani.
Gross' family has told KDKA News in the past that they unfortunately believe Cassandra is dead, but they are still hopeful for closure in the case. Cassandra Gross was missing for 18 months before she was declared legally dead.
Trooper Limani said they will leave no stone unturned and not leave the property until they've conducted the most thorough search possible.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
