The tragic events at the University of the Pacific in September 1979 remain etched in the memory of the Salarno family. On her first day of college, Catina Salarno, a freshman, was found unconscious with a fatal gunshot wound. Her parents, Harriet and Mike Salarno, received the devastating news at their home in San Francisco.
With disbelief shared by the entire family, they struggled to comprehend the loss of Catina. Her sisters, Regina and Nina, witnessed their parents’ emotional collapse, bringing family life to a somber halt. CBS News first highlighted the family’s loss in 1990, showing Mike and Harriet visiting Catina’s resting place.
The Beginning of a Tragic Relationship
Before college, Catina’s life seemed idyllic. She grew up in a loving family that valued community and faith. Her relationships and summer days at the family cabin were cherished. When she was 14, the Burns family moved in across the street, sparking a budding romance between Catina and Steven Burns.
Though they formed a close bond, Catina’s relationship with Steven soured by her senior year. She aimed to break up with him, but his threats were dismissed by her sisters. Eventually, their worst fears came true when Catina was murdered.
The Aftermath and Continued Struggle for Justice
After her death, the Salarnos faced a legal battle against Steven Burns, who was arrested following threatening Catina. The police never found the gun, and the prosecution argued that Burns planned to kill Catina if she ended their relationship. Despite being convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 17 years to life, Burns’s continued parole eligibility frustrated the family.
Driven by a profound sense of justice, the Salarnos became advocates for victims’ rights, demanding change. Harriet founded Crime Victims United, catalyzing legislative reforms. Regina and Nina dedicated their careers to helping others, inspired by the promise to protect those still living.
Burns’s Parole Hearings and the Fight for Safety
Over the years, Burns came up for parole multiple times, with his potential release hanging over the Salarnos like a permanent threat. Although Burns claimed remorse, his varied accounts and the lack of any prior warning signs about the crime troubled those involved.
His parole hearings repeatedly exposed this danger, drawing attention to his behavior in prison and his inconsistent narratives. The Salarnos felt reassured by the board’s decision to deny parole after his latest hearing, though the fight continues with each session—demonstrating the longstanding impact of Catina’s death.
Nina and Harriet’s advocacy persists, ensuring Catina’s legacy inspires ongoing change. The Salarnos remain vigilant, as Burns is set for another hearing in 2030.