The whole place at the University of the Pacific was shaken up when a freshman, Catina Salarno, was found unconscious and bleeding from her head. It was back in 1979, and it was her first day of college. The Salarno family received a devastating phone call at their San Francisco home. Mike answered it and delivered the heartbreaking news that Catina had been shot and was in the emergency room. Shortly after, another call came in, this time with the unbearable message that Catina had passed away.
The Salarno family was torn apart by the tragic loss of Catina. Harriet, Mike, and their daughters, Regina and Nina, were left devastated. The pain was indescribable, watching their mom collapse in tears and seeing their dad, a strong man, shaken to the core. Life came to a standstill for the Salarnos.
Ten years after Catina’s murder, the family was still grappling with the loss, visiting her resting place weekly. The memories of Catina, the heart and soul of the family, lingered on. Her dream of becoming a dentist was cut short in a senseless act of violence. The Salarnos were a close-knit, loving family, living a seemingly perfect life until tragedy struck.
Catina’s relationship with Steven Burns, the boy across the street, took a dark turn in her senior year. She wanted to break up with him, but he began threatening her, a fact that her sisters later regretted not sharing with their parents. Despite the signs of trouble, the Salarnos never imagined the horror that awaited them.
When Catina arrived at the University of the Pacific, she hoped to leave Burns behind. However, fate had other plans, as he showed up unexpectedly at the same university, catching Catina off guard. The encounter led to a tragic chain of events that ended with Catina being found shot in a remote area of the school.
The details of that fateful night were chilling. A freshman out for a walk discovered Catina, barely clinging to life after being shot in the back of the head. Burns, on the other hand, returned to his dorm room and watched TV as if nothing had happened. The subsequent investigation and trial painted a picture of a young man consumed by jealousy and rage.
Burns was eventually arrested and charged with Catina’s murder. Despite multiple parole hearings over the years, the Salarnos fought tirelessly to keep her killer behind bars. Their efforts paid off when Burns was once again denied parole in a recent hearing.
As the family visited Catina’s grave on what would have been her 64th birthday, they found solace in the parole board’s decision. The memories of Catina live on in their hearts, and the fight for justice continues. The Salarnos are determined to ensure that Burns remains where he belongs – behind bars.
Through their unwavering dedication to seeking justice for Catina, the Salarnos have turned their pain into a mission to advocate for victims’ rights. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and the fight for justice in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
