48 Hours: Post Mortem | The Boy Across the Street – Detailed Summary

Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host: Ann Marie Green
Correspondent: Erin Moriarty

Introduction

In the "Post Mortem" episode titled "The Boy Across the Street," host Ann Marie Green delves deep into the harrowing case of Katina Rose Salerno, a young woman whose tragic murder in 1979 has reverberated through her family and the broader community for decades. Erin Moriarty, a seasoned correspondent with "48 Hours," joins Green to unpack the complexities surrounding the case, the enduring impact on Katina's family, and the intricate workings of the parole system that continues to affect their lives.

Case Overview

Katina Rose Salerno's Tragic Murder

On the first day of her freshman year at the University of the Pacific in California in 1979, 18-year-old Katina Salerno was fatally shot by her high school boyfriend, Stephen Burns. The incident occurred under tumultuous circumstances, leaving Katina's family fighting for justice ever since.

• Ann Marie Green (00:39): "Katina Salerno and Stephen Burns were high school sweethearts living across the street from each other. When Katina attempted to break up with Burns, he threatened to kill her. Subsequently, Katina left for college, only to be horrified when Burns followed her to the same campus."

Stephen Burns' Conviction and Imprisonment

Stephen Burns was convicted of second-degree murder in 1980 and has been incarcerated for over four decades. Despite multiple opportunities for parole, Katina's family has remained steadfast in their opposition to his release.

• Ann Marie Green (00:39): "Burns was convicted of second-degree murder in 1980, and he's been in prison for four decades. Katina's family wants to keep it that way, attending every single parole board hearing—13 in total—to advocate against his release."

The Parole System and Family Opposition

Understanding the Parole Process

Erin Moriarty sheds light on the intricacies of the parole system, emphasizing how it operates beyond merely deciding an inmate's suitability for release.

• Erin Moriarty (08:30): "The California law allows for parole when someone is deemed suitable. Commissioners decide not only suitability but also the duration before the next hearing, which can range from two to five years. This process explains the 13 parole hearings Burns has faced."

Family's Motives for Opposing Parole

Katina's family has voiced concerns beyond the initial act of murder, focusing on Burns' potential for future harm due to his controlling and stalking behaviors.

• Erin Moriarty (09:33): "The family argues that Burns' stalking and controlling behavior pose a continued threat, even if he does not commit another murder."

Insights from Interviews

Erin Moriarty's Exploration

Erin Moriarty discusses the challenges and revelations encountered while investigating the case, highlighting the extensive effort to reconnect with individuals from the time of the crime.

• Erin Moriarty (01:27): "This case was eye-opening on many levels. The ability to track down so many people from 45 years ago brought the past to life in a remarkable and heartbreaking way."

Kevin Anderson's Perspective

Kevin Anderson, a former pediatrician and counselor who worked with Burns, provides a contrasting viewpoint by expressing his belief that Burns deserved parole, only to later retract his stance upon witnessing Burns' behavior during the parole hearing.

• Erin Moriarty (12:39): "Kevin Anderson initially believed Burns had accepted his past behaviors and deserved parole. However, after observing Burns' demeanor during the 13th hearing, Anderson concluded that Burns had not truly acknowledged his actions and remained a potential threat."

Notable Quotes:

• Randy Haight, Patrol Officer (05:20): Reflects on staying with Katina in the hospital, stating, "He doesn't leave her. He and another officer stay until she dies and the coroner arrives."

• Les, Burns' Roommate (05:20): Reveals, "Stephen had set up a shrine to Katina in his room. Also, he was supposedly watching Monday Night Football when he claimed to the police he was there all night."

Impact on the Salerno Family

Enduring Trauma and Advocacy

The Salerno family's life trajectory was irrevocably altered by Katina's murder. Each family member channeled their grief into meaningful advocacy and professional pursuits aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

• Regina Salerno: Became a nurse, inspired by the memories of her sister in the hospital.

• Nina Salerno: Pursued a career as a prosecutor focusing on abuse victims, driven by her own experience testifying alone at Burns' trial at age 14.

• Harriet Salerno (Katina's Mother): Founded a victims' advocacy group, influencing legal reforms to allow support persons for minors testifying in court.

Personal Moments Captured

During the latest parole hearing in 2025, Erin Moriarty shares a poignant moment with Harriet Salerno, underscoring the family's relentless emotional struggle.

• Erin Moriarty (16:11): "Harriet was shaking before her parole hearing. I just put my hand on hers; it was the right thing to do at that moment."

• Harriet Salerno (16:11): Described the current parole hearing as "as tough almost as the first one."

Journalistic Efforts and Discoveries

Revisiting Historical Coverage

"48 Hours" had previously covered Katina Salerno's case in 1990, with Bernard Goldberg as the correspondent. The show's commitment to long-term storytelling facilitated a comprehensive examination of the ongoing parole battles.

• Erin Moriarty (06:38): Recalls Bernard Goldberg’s initial coverage, highlighting the extensive time spent with the family during early parole hearings.

Uncovered Details and Behavioral Patterns

The investigation revealed Burns' consistent lack of remorse and transparency about his actions, further complicating the parole decision-making process.

• Erin Moriarty (17:59): "Both instructors felt uncomfortable with Burns' entitled behavior and inability to recognize his troubling actions, leading commissioners to deem him unsuitable for parole."

Concluding Thoughts

The episode "The Boy Across the Street" provides a profound exploration of the lingering effects of a tragic crime on a family, the complexities of the parole system, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through meticulous reporting and heartfelt interviews, Erin Moriarty and Ann Marie Green illuminate the enduring legacy of Katina Salerno and the resilience of her family in seeking closure and safeguarding their community.

Final Reflections:

• Erin Moriarty (21:06): Emphasizes focusing on the heroes within the story rather than the horror, highlighting the family's strength and advocacy efforts.

• Ann Marie Green (21:16): Affirms the importance of discussing both the strengths and challenges of the parole system, especially from the victims' families' perspectives.

Key Takeaways

• The enduring impact of a single act of violence on victims' families and communities.
• The complexities and challenges inherent in the parole system, particularly for families seeking to prevent potential future harm.
• The role of persistent journalism in unearthing long-standing injustices and spotlighting stories that demand continued attention.
• The transformative journey of grief into advocacy, leading to meaningful societal and legal changes.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical elements discussed in the "Post Mortem | The Boy Across the Street" episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of the case, its implications, and the unwavering pursuit of justice by Katina Salerno's family.