“The Boy Across the Street”: 48 Hours Reports on Catina Salarno Homicide May 3 2025

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET/PT, CBS’s 48 Hours presents a powerful investigation titled “The Boy Across the Street.” Correspondent Erin Moriarty reports on the tragic murder of 18-year-old Catina Salarno, a college student whose promising future was stolen by someone she once trusted—her high school sweetheart, Steven Burns. The episode delves into a family’s decades-long pursuit of justice, providing an intimate look at their heartbreak and determination.

The case stands as a stark example of intimate partner violence and the challenges victims’ families face in the aftermath. Through interviews with Catina’s mother, Harriet Salarno, and her sisters, Nina and Regina, 48 Hours explores not only the crime but also the broader implications of a justice system that, for many years, did not recognize domestic violence as a violent crime under certain statutes. The program also includes insights from law enforcement, legal experts, and individuals close to both Catina and Burns.

The Relationship and Its Tragic End

Catina Salarno and Steven Burns grew up together in Stockton, California, living across the street from one another. Burns was seen as the “boy next door,” a high school football player who was deeply intertwined with the Salarno family. Their relationship began in high school and appeared, on the surface, to be a typical teenage romance. However, behind the façade was a relationship that became increasingly possessive and controlling.

In the summer of 1979, shortly before Catina was set to begin her college studies at the University of the Pacific, she ended the relationship with Burns. Unbeknownst to her, Burns had secretly enrolled at the same university. This decision set the stage for a tragic confrontation. Shortly after classes began, Catina agreed to meet Burns one last time, hoping to end things definitively. Instead, Burns lured her to an isolated spot on campus, armed with a gun he had stolen from her father’s business.

The Murder and Investigation

On the night of their meeting, Catina and Burns argued. At some point, Burns shot Catina behind her left ear with the stolen gun. After shooting her, Burns returned to his dorm room, leaving Catina lying injured and alone. Her body was discovered later that evening at 9:45 p.m., still alive but critically wounded. She had scratches on her body, indicating she had attempted to crawl for help. Despite efforts to save her, Catina was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.

Steven Burns was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. During the investigation and trial, it was revealed that Burns had planned the murder, bringing the weapon and intentionally isolating Catina. Prosecutors presented evidence of premeditation, while the defense argued that his age and emotional state contributed to his actions. In 1980, Burns was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 17 years to life in prison.

A Family’s Fight for Justice

Following Catina’s murder, her family was thrust into a legal battle that would span decades. Harriet, Nina, and Regina Salarno worked tirelessly to ensure Burns remained behind bars. They consistently appeared at parole hearings to argue against his release, fearing that he still posed a danger to society. Their advocacy extended beyond their personal case as they sought reforms to protect victims of domestic violence.

Nina Salarno became an attorney and co-founded Crime Victims United, an organization dedicated to strengthening victims’ rights. Her advocacy work included lobbying for legislative changes and speaking out publicly about the need for stronger protections for women facing domestic violence. Catina’s murder became a catalyst for a lifelong mission to support victims and their families.

Parole Hearings and Continuing Impact

Steven Burns has sought parole 11 times since becoming eligible. At each hearing, Catina’s family has attended, determined to prevent his release. In 2022, the California Board of Parole Hearings once again denied Burns parole, citing the nature of his crime, his lack of sufficient rehabilitation, and concerns about public safety. The board scheduled his next parole eligibility in seven years.

The denial of parole was a relief for the Salarno family, but it also underscored the emotional toll of reliving Catina’s murder every few years. Each hearing forced them to revisit painful memories, making their fight not only a legal battle but an ongoing emotional struggle. Through their efforts, they have kept Catina’s memory alive while advocating for policies that recognize the seriousness of domestic violence.

Legacy and Broader Implications

Catina Salarno’s murder is emblematic of the dangers posed by intimate partner violence, especially among young women. The case also highlights the systemic gaps in recognizing and addressing such violence within the legal system. Thanks in part to the advocacy of survivors’ families like the Salarnos, laws such as the Violence Against Women Act were passed to provide greater protections for victims.

Despite legislative progress, Nina Salarno has voiced concerns that California and other states have since rolled back important legal definitions of violent crimes. Her work continues as she pushes for reforms to ensure crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault are prosecuted as serious offenses. The episode of 48 Hours sheds light not only on the tragedy of Catina’s death but also on the resilience of a family unwilling to let her story be forgotten.

Through this broadcast, 48 Hours invites viewers to reflect on the importance of victim advocacy and the ongoing challenges in achieving justice for victims of intimate partner violence. The Salarno family’s determination stands as a powerful example of love, courage, and the enduring fight for accountability.