Stockton, California – The tragic story of Catina Rose Salarno is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence. In September 1979, the 18-year-old arrived at the University of the Pacific full of hope for a fresh start. Having recently ended her relationship with high school sweetheart Steven Burns, she intended to focus on her aspirations of becoming a dentist. However, her excitement quickly turned to horror when Burns appeared on campus the very first day of classes.
That evening, Burns asked to meet Catina one last time to discuss their relationship. Although she had reservations, she hoped it would bring closure. Her college roommate, Joanne Marks, recalled that Catina wished for this encounter to mark the end of Burns’s complications in her life. Tragically, the meeting took a sinister turn. Around 8 p.m., as they walked to a secluded area, Burns pulled a gun and shot Catina in the back of the head, leaving her to bleed out.
Catina’s youngest sister, Nina Salarno, was only 14 years old at the time of the murder. The incident reshaped her life forever. After Burns was convicted of second-degree murder in 1980, Nina channeled her grief into a career as a prosecutor specializing in domestic violence. Since becoming the district attorney in Modoc County, she has worked tirelessly to advocate for victims. “Many victims are either unheard, afraid to speak out, or unaware of the gravity of their situation,” Nina explained.
Catina and Burns’s relationship began in 1977 when his family moved across the street from her home. As high school sophomores, they quickly fell in love—a romance that her family initially welcomed, treating Burns as one of their own due to his troubled family background. However, as Catina approached her senior year, she decided to end their relationship. This decision led to an unsettling shift in Burns’s behavior. Nina indicated that as Catina began to distance herself from him, he grew increasingly aggressive.
Multiple instances of Burns’s threats against Catina have since resurfaced, making it evident that these warnings were serious. Regina Salarno-Novello, another of Catina’s sisters, reflected on how easy it was to dismiss such comments, given their longstanding familiarity with Burns. “He was part of our family; we never believed he could do something so destructive,” she said.
Nina shared insights into how victims often fail to recognize the danger signs that can precede acts of violence. “Many victims think they truly know their partners and that those threats won’t come to fruition,” she noted. “That’s why Catina felt comfortable agreeing to meet him.” She described that moment as an act of courage, but tragically, it was also the most dangerous time in a domestic violence scenario.
The aftermath of such a breakup can bring feelings of vulnerability for abusers who perceive a loss of control, often escalating risks significantly. Nina emphasizes the importance of severing ties completely and avoiding direct contact with abusers. “Once a victim has made the decision to leave, they must commit to that break—no meetings, no conversations,” she advised.
The tragic case of Catina Rose Salarno serves to highlight the perilous nature of domestic violence relationships. It stands as a poignant reminder that ending an abusive relationship often requires more than physical separation; it demands a comprehensive understanding of the underlying dynamics at play.
For those experiencing domestic violence or feeling threatened, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers support at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).