The University of the Pacific campus was shaken in 1979 when a freshman, Catina Salarno, was found unconscious and bleeding in a remote area on her first day of college. Her parents, Harriet and Mike Salarno, received the heart-wrenching call at their San Francisco home, learning their daughter had been shot and was fighting for her life. As the news broke, their other daughters, Regina and Nina, rushed to their side, only to hear the devastating follow-up call informing them of Catina’s death.
The impact of watching Harriet collapse in tears and seeing Mike, a strong man, visibly shaken, is described as indescribable by Nina Salarno. Regina expressed how life completely stopped for their family in that moment. CBS News’ “48 Hours” first documented the family’s pain in 1990, as Harriet and Mike visited Catina’s resting place, ten years after her murder. Mike found peace in these visits, believing he could still communicate with his daughter.
At the time, the Salarnos had started a long journey to keep Catina’s killer imprisoned. Mike viewed each parole hearing as a battle to fight against an outcome they never expected or desired.
The Perfect Family Shattered
Before the tragedy, Harriet and Mike Salarno were juvenile commissioners, mentors to young boys and girls, embodying the values of faith, family, and community. The Salarno family, including three daughters, spent happy summers together, led by Catina. Regina recalls Catina as the heart of the family, while Nina describes her sister as a person everyone should have met for her kindness.
In their early years, the Salarno sisters formed a close relationship with the Burns family, who moved across the street when Catina was fourteen. The connection turned into a young love between Catina and Steven Burns, particularly during high school. Regina saw Steven as the brother she never had. Steve was a star athlete, quickly becoming integrated into the Salarno family who embraced and nurtured him.
Nina adored Steve, and Mike mentored him, even giving him a job. With hindsight, Harriet and Nina acknowledged missing signs of trouble in Catina’s relationship. Catina wanted to end the relationship with Steven after being accepted to the University of the Pacific, but faced threats from him.
The Deadly Road to College
Despite their concerns, the family never imagined the threat would lead to tragedy. Steven Burns pursued Catina to college, an encounter that alarmed her. Mike tried to intervene, instructing Steve to leave Catina alone. However, living on opposite sides of the campus did not prevent Burns’ obsessive behavior. Catina’s excitement for college, with dreams of becoming a dentist, was interrupted by Steven’s unexpected enrollment.
On the fateful night of her murder, Catina’s new roommate witnessed Steven picking her up under the pretense of meeting one last time. Catina never returned. A student named Kevin Arlin discovered her unconscious body, severely hurt. Steven, meanwhile, acted normally, watching a game in his dorm.
The Investigation and Arrest
The investigation pointed towards Steven after police learned of his earlier threats to Catina. Two days later, Stevie was arrested at his family’s house. Both sisters voiced guilt for not revealing Steven’s threatening behavior to their parents. Her family endured a painful loss and the feeling of betrayal from someone they previously considered family.
Aftermath of a Murder
The defendants’ rights seemed to overshadow the family’s pain. The trial brought shock as Catina’s family was excluded from crucial moments. Witnesses recounted Burns stealing Mike’s gun before the murder, signaling premeditation. The jury convicted Burns of second-degree murder, sentencing him to 17 years to life, much to the Salarnos’ dismay upon discovering the possibility of early parole.
In subsequent parole hearings, Harriet shared her frustration with a system she felt prioritized the offender. Each hearing was a renewed battle against Burns’ release. For 35 years, they consistently argued against his freedom, confronting his conduct and lack of remorse.
A Fight for Victims’ Rights
The fight for justice transcended Catina’s murder, shaping each family member’s life. They established Crime Victims United, led by Harriet, which resulted in significant legal reforms, including the right for victims’ families to attend trials and offer impact statements.
Nina, driven by what she lived through, pursued a career in law, focusing on domestic violence cases. The family maintained a collective commitment to honor Catina’s memory, persisting in their advocacy for victim’s rights.
Despite Burns’ participation in rehabilitation programs during his incarceration, the family remains firm in their belief that he remains dangerous. Burns failed to consistently own up to his actions, only admitting the truth decades after, fostering the family’s deep mistrust.
As Steven Burns faced his 13th parole hearing in January 2025, tension ran high. The potential release threatened to undo years of their pursuit for justice, compelling the family to make their voices heard once more.
Ultimately, in keeping with past rulings, the parole board denied Burns release, citing insufficient change in his behavior. The Salarnos, bolstered by their successful advocacy and unwavering resolve, face each challenge together, determined to continue their fight for as long as necessary.
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