Arsonist who killed L.A. firefighter seeks parole
Three decades have passed since a jury convicted Mario Catanio in the arson murder of L.A. city firefighter Thomas G. Taylor.
But the memories of their colleague plunging into the inferno at Cugee’s Cafe in North Hollywood remain vivid for many firehouse veterans.
Retired Battalion Chief Mike Reagan, who was present during the 1981 incident, and L.A. firefighters union President Frank Lima will ask a parole board at Chuckawalla State Prison on Friday to keep Catanio behind bars.
Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown denied parole to Catanio, convicted in the arson murder of the 34-year-old firefighter.
He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for setting the fire that killed Taylor, who at the time had been with the LAFD eight years, said Lima, president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City.
Catanio was paid to torch the eatery.
“I could hear Tom screaming,” said Reagan, then a captain at Fire Station 60, who helped battle the deadly blaze of Jan. 28, 1981. “I heard him yelling and screaming, that’s all I could hear.”
During the trial, firefighter Thomas Shrout recounted how he clasped Taylor’s outstretched fingers that day but could not pull him onto the aerial ladder.
The union has campaigned vigorously to keep the convicted arsonist in prison, arguing he is unsuitable for parole based on his history and lack of remorse, insight and discipline.
But Catanio’s lawyers have argued for three decades that he has been a model prisoner.
The owners of Cugee’s Cafe, Henry Martinez and Arlene Boyle, paid Catanio -- a 42-year-old Van Nuys barber -- to set fire to their financially ailing restaurant. Martinez and Boyle pleaded guilty in federal court to arson homicide charges and received 10-year terms.
Catanio was convicted on state murder and burglary charges.
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