Pitonyak (pictured) twice by phone trying to get information The jury finds Laura guilty of tampering with evidence, for cutting up Jennifer Cave's body and helping Colton to escape to Mexico. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The time Jennifer Cave is believed to have been killed. success. . It was fired by. Both were drinking, and according to witness Jeffrey Pitonyak was convicted of murder after fleeing to Mexico with his friend Laura Hall. Cave was reported missing after not appearing at work the next day, and less than 48 hours after her mother and stepfather arrived from Corpus Christi, her dismembered body was discovered in Pitonyak's apartment. claimed he used it on the victim's body. It was early evening by the time they arrived. dismember Jennifer Cave's body during her summation. She invoked her Fifth His lawyers said his DNA was on the handle I thought he was a very sexy guy. "I am innocent of the murder. It was Hall who came up with the plan to dismember Cave's body, Pitonyak said, and it was Hall who made a list of items they'd need to complete the job. In 2011, 48 Hours on CBS documented the murder and the aftermath as well as the trial, focusing on Laura Hall in a special called "48 Hours: In Too Deep". The murder happened in 2005 when she was 21. But she admits she is guilty of falling in love with the wrong man. "I apologize to everybody here." Austin Police Department Detective David Fugitt told Reform Austin that he has assisted in over 500 homicide investigations, and the gruesome nature of this case is rare. Would you please help me? In Texas, those sentenced to life are eligible for parole in 30 years. district. Once again, the D.A. '", Prosecutors produced witnesses who claim Laura told them about her involvement in the mutilation. night of drinking and drug use, but admitted he believes he may Laura says Colton had been drinking and says he didn't remember what had happened. Given her ongoing proximity to the case, Sullivan's suddenly recovered memory is difficult to understand and seemed produced here to allow prosecutors to portray Hall as the post-murder mastermind. And she's like, 'Mom, he's my friend, and he needs my help.' Pitonyak was enrolled in UTs Business Program (a rare admission for an out-of-state student) where he received high marks his freshman and junior years. Finally, she called her friend, Michael Rodriguez. [19], In 2010, a jury in Travis County, Texas resentenced Hall to the maximum possible sentence, including prison and $14,000 ($17396.92 when adjusted for inflation) in fines. Pitonyak's cell. In 2007, a jury convicted Laura Hall, 34, for helping her boyfriend Colton Pitonyak dismember 21-year-old Cave's body in his apartment's bathtub at the Orange Tree condominiums in August of. "She told me, 'Dad, Colton's killed someone and they found a body.' His defense has implied it will ask jurors to find I'd certainly want that evidence presented to a jury," said Turner. Asked what she told police, Laura says, "Just that I thought we were on vacation, I don't know anything about it, Colton's a great guy and he didn't do it. I watched my jury and I saw women and men flinch at that answer.". [4], On the day that Cave's body had been discovered,[9] Colton Pitonyak and Laura Hall escaped from the United States,[1] using Hall's automobile. Yes. Jordan Smith of the Austin Chronicle said "The relatively light sentence, after an emotional appeal from Hall's father, suggests that the delay in reaching a verdict reflected some division in the jurors' judgment of Hall's culpability. After Cave's murder they escaped to Mexico where they were captured. Around 1 am, Michael Rodriguez received a call from Jennifer, who said that her friend Colton was angry and wasted. She faces up to 10 years in prison. She's sentenced to five years. The answer in the presence of that jury, quote, 'Some Bitch.' Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. into a playpen belonging to Fernandez's ", The emotional toll of the case hit particularly close to home for the hosts who both have sisters when they sat down to interview Cave's own sister, Lauren. Mr. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Eddie Pitonyak, the defendant's father, read a statement That is not my car! He successfully removed the head and both hands before stopping. That made for a grueling combination: maintaining empathy for their subjects, immersing themselves in "an ocean of information" about the crime and its trials, and reopening the emotionally fraught chapter with the Cave and Pitonyak families alike. When he took the stand, Colton said he couldn't remember what happened that night. "The kitchen I think was the oddest room to me because it was sparkling clean," Bishop tells Maher. [9] Pitonyak received a 55-year sentence. [11], On August 23, 2005, Colton Pitonyak was charged with murder. "48 Hours" has been following Laura Hall's case since 2005, and yet it is still difficult to know just exactly who Laura is or what role she played that awful August night in Austin. Her body discovered in a friends apartment near the University of Texas. "There's no question the most volatile component in this case is that people are going to be repulsed by what happened to Jennifer Cave," Sawyer says. Panicked, he called Hall. Just weeks ago, a new witness has come forward and swears that in 2005, Laura told him she was "going to get away with murder." 'Amazing support': Nevada neighborhood goes blue for police, New Texas DPS promotions include the first 2 female captains in department's history, Cities like Austin that defund police departments will face freeze on property taxes, Gov. What more do you want?" lived. And for the first time, Colton started shifting the blame. I'll take you to dinner to celebrate your new job.' Jim Sedwick broke into the apartment after the police departed. Laura's attorney says the witness is not credible. And how could something so terrible happen at all? ", CBS News. In 2020, A seven-part podcast called "The Orange Tree," published by The Drag, which is an audio production house at the University of Texas, took a deep dive look at Jennifer's life, the trials and the appeals. "Really? Colton will remain in prison for most of his life after receiving 55 years. [18] On Monday February 8, 2010, Hall was placed in county custody prior to her new sentencing hearing. S1 E843m. especially a woman," she said. Hall was We stood right here in [the] hallway. "The great challenge is to say to them, 'Feel any way you want. She invoked her Fifth, Colton Pitonyak's mother wept during the verdict, but he was Can't keep up with happenings around town? Lindell, Chuck. After he discovered Jennifer Cave's body, Jim Sedwick called 9-1-1 again. She said, 'After all, [Cave] was nothing. "We're really getting scared that something bad has happened inside that apartment," says Jim. You can find the Orange Tree Podcast on podcast listening apps or at the Drag Production Houses website here. it was hilarious that he went in there," Fernandez testified. All rights reserved. The two talked for a bit before she told him she was going out for a while to meet up with another friend who was having some problems. self-incrimination and refused to testify for Pitonyak's defense. Laura remarks. "'Donnie Brasco' and 'Goodfellas' and a series of movies that involved dismemberment," Bishop says. The list of confirmed facts is brief. examiner Greg Karim about whether, Colton Pitonyak testified he has no memory of killing Jennifer '", Sharon says she knew something was wrong. it for years. had died from a single gunshot wound to her right chest. Both were drinking, and according to witness Jeffrey So after they left, Jim muscled his way in through a window. Laura and Colton met at a party in the spring of 2005. later charged with hindering apprehension. To keep creating She would get credit for two years that she had already spent in confinement prior to the sentencing. [18] He will be eligible for parole once 50% of his sentence has been served, at which time he will be around 51 years old. It was fired by As it turns out, the cab driver failed to identify Laura when investigators showed him a photo lineup. Michael Rodriguez, a friend, said he spoke to Cave at 1 a.m. and 30 photos. "She was having a hard time finding herself," her I am facing 10 years in prison for mutilating a body. [10], On the morning of August 17, 2005,[14] the law firm where Cave worked called Cave's family to say that she did not show up for work. I just want to see you for a little bit. S1 E1043m. As Laura tells it, she had nothing to do with the horrific crime. to cut up a turkey. Colton Pitonyak and his new accomplice, Laura Hall, were quickly arrested by Mexican police officers and extradited back to face his crimes. officers in Texas. Midway through The Orange Tree's first episode, there's a small moment that is instructive of their approach. Pitonyak and Hall went to the home of the hotel manager, Pedro In the bathroom, he discovered Cave's S1 E943m. She had "She gave a series of statements to the police," says Bishop. "Hall gets maximum sentence in Cave case.". Cave, the young woman he considered Maher asks. For the prosecutors, Travis Co. assistant district attorneys Bill Bishop and Stephanie McFarland, it was not a straightforward case. Her statement then became she'd seen the body but didn't know what had had happened. was fried on drugs," he told police. Fifteen years ago on Aug. 17, 2005, 21-year-old Jennifer Caves dismembered body was found in the bathtub of convicted murderer Colton Pitonyaks apartment at the Orange Tree Condominiums in Austin. Pitonyak is serving 55 years for the slaying. '", "It's hard for listeners to really put themselves in the shoes of someone close to this case," added Thomas, who says these shades of personal perspective were integral to properly telling their story. "I had no idea he was going to do what he did," she says. because he had owned He claimed he was strung out on drugs and alcohol. She will get a new sentencing hearing. It was the post-murder behavior that made it so grotesque. a hardware store four blocks away. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said Laura Hall, 34, was released from prison in Gatesville at 10:30 a.m. Hall wasconvicted in 2007 for hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence after prosecutors said she helped Colton Pitonyak, also a former UT student, dismember Caves body in an attempted cover-up before driving him to Mexico. Furthermore, the new witness states that Laura told him that she made the list of items for Colton to buy at the hardware store, and that she alone dismembered the body of Jennifer Cave. DNA recovered on a buck knife, a machete, and the hacksaw left resting on top of Cave's body matched only Pitonyak and Cave. A Connecticut woman says her two 10-year-old German Shepherds, Cimo and Lieben, were shot, beheaded, and killed by a hunter from New York. "All I had was a flashlight. Sawyer can only hope the jury sees it his way. 'Some bitch.' What will ending the COVID-19 emergency look like in the US. over to law enforcement Next Gallery. So I flipped the light switch on and there she was," he remembers. On Aug. 16, 2005, Cave was excited about her new job at an Austin law firm, and that night, she went with Pitonyak to Sixth Street to celebrate. at Burger King. He was also a small-time dealer. examiner Greg Karim about whether And Jennifer would fall for that line every time: 'I need a friend,'" says Sharon. And that's what got her in trouble," adds Jim. "48 Hours Mystery: In Too Deep. On the advice of her lawyer, she never took the stand at Colton's trial. for murder in the fatal Aug. Colton Pitonyak's defense attorney says the appeal he filed last week in Travis County could clear his client's name. Pitonyak's neighbor, Nora Sullivan, testified that in the spring of 2006, Hall told her that after Pitonyak shot Cave, he sat in his living room drinking beer and watching TV instead of using the tools he'd bought at the hardware store. boyfriend, Jim Sedwick, forced Previous Pause Next. He's certainly mistaken, if not flat out lying, yes.". We were in no condition," she explains. The next afternoon, Jennifer's mother, Sharon Cave, got a phone call in Corpus Christi from Jennifer's new employer, who told her Jennifer had never arrived at work that morning. Pitonyak's friend Laura Hall is serving 10 years for tampering with evidence. I can't go to jail," Laura tells Maher. Motoreum's Yusuf & Antonio talk about the biz and their reality TV debut, One click gets you all the newsletters listed below, Breaking news, arts coverage, and daily events. "Colton called her, he said, 'You know, I really need a friend. At around 8 p.m., Jim calls 911, but when the cops arrive, they wouldn't break in without a search warrant. He was the last person to be seen with their daughter, Jennifer Cave. On August 18, 2005, Cave's body was discovered. In February 2009, Laura Hall is unexpectedly released when a court ruled her sentencing hearing wasn't fair. The night that Cave was killed he was in the middle of a multiday bender.. Everyone has pointed their finger at me," she says.Prosecutors say Laura Hall did everything wrong the day of the murder: she left Colton's apartment and never told anyone what she had seen - not police, and not even her mother, whom she spoke with several times that afternoon. The evidence provides some information about when and in what order the fateful events unfolded but yields no insight as to why. "I'm like, 'Jennifer, please, just don't - just stay away from that.' All rights reserved. Pedro Fernandez (pictured), Pitonyak and Hall went to the home of the hotel manager, Pedro "A jury, in Travis County, of 12 people found Colton Pitonyak guilty, and a jury of 12 people, in Travis County . Cave's phone number, labeled "J. Ribbit," was scrawled on She had plans to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) so she could become a lawyer. "And then they ask him, 'Can you identify that woman in court today?' TV-PG Reality and Game Show Primetime Full Episode Appearing: Sharon Martin Go to show. [1] In 2009, Chuck Lindell of the Austin American-Statesman called it the "most infamous West Campus crime". Her head and hands had been cut off and were in plastic bags on the bathroom floor. And it is about to get much worse. and Remember the difference between feeling and proof.'". Maher asks in disbelief. AUSTIN, Texas - August 17, 2020 marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Jennifer Cave. Bryan Case, with the Travis County District Attorney s office, said, We stand by our position and conviction of Colton Pitonyak. As of 2013, Colton Pitonyak is still imprisoned at the Robertson Unit, a maximum-security state prison in Abilene, Texas. Laura sighs before answering. The apartment belonged to Colton Pitonyak, a University of Texas business student. Loren says. Laura was not arrested, but when police questioned her, she was less than cooperative. Colton Pitonyak will testify in his own defense. Eric Goodman's Austin FC column, other soccer news. In addition to the gun, Laura's DNA was also found in Colton's apartment. Also included in the appeal is Hall's alleged confession to two jail inmates. On the same day, the jury panel recommended a 55-year prison sentence for Pitonyak. It was Pitonyak a "sociopath" and a "beast" who destroyed everyone around him, Sawyer argued who mutilated Cave's body. ", Rather than reveling in the prize of unprecedented access, they wanted to always keep sight of the human anguish that reverberates through their narrative. And that would be Laura Hall," Sawyer says. His apartment "We still feel Jennifer in our lives," Sharon says. "We would spend days together at a time. All seven episodes of The Orange Tree are now available for download and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. He will not get a new trial, but his attorney now has more ammunition. Colton Pitonyak's defense attorney says the appeal he filed last week in Travis County could clear his. Asked if that was enough physical evidence to tie her to the dismemberment, Bishop says, "When put with her statements to co-workers and things such as that, absolutely.". And that's when I said, 'Man, you need to turn yourself in,' and he goes, 'Your daughter had nothing to do with this. So just as in Colton's trial, Laura never takes the stand. Submit yours now at austinchronicle.com/opinion. Laura Hall & Colton Pitonyak Episode aired Jul 7, 2013 TV-14 44 m IMDb RATING 5.7 /10 8 YOUR RATING Rate Documentary Crime The dismembered body of a young woman exposes the dark side of two former honor students. After a jury sentenced him to 55 years in prison, Pitonyak said, Ascension Seton breaks ground on new womens health tower in Austin, Cowboy Breakfast, BBQ Austin scheduled ahead of official start of Rodeo Austin, Timeline: Severe storms possible on Thursday, Forecast: Severe storms possible Thursday. faces a possible life sentence. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Lake Travis party cruise company working to survive COVID-19 pandemic, Barricaded suspect who shot 3 Cedar Park police officers surrenders peacefully, Future cadets who moved for Austin police academy feel 'lied to', Austin surgeons shocked by injuries protesters sustained by bean bag rounds, It's put together by The Drag Audio Production House and KUT, Severe storms possible Thursday; all of Central Texas under slight risk, South Carolina kidnapping survivor Kara Robinson reveals tips for escaping abduction, This week's 10-year fixed private student loan interest rates dip below 8 percent, Governor Abbott makes economic development announcement, Saddleback Church stands firmly behind female pastors after SBC expulsion, Austin police searching for missing teen, her infant son, Victim shot multiple times in North Austin, TSCO says, Dallas mayor calls on APD officers to work for Dallas Police Department instead, Police searching for 2 armed robbery suspects in Buda, Texas Lottery $1 million scratch ticket prize claimed by Dripping Springs resident, Severe weather possible for all of Central Texas Thursday, LCRA parks near Austin offer archery, electric mountain bikes, kayaking and more, Austin Travels talks about visiting places in and around Nashville, TN, Another US agency assesses COVID-19 origin likely a Chinese 'lab leak': report, FDA approves combination flu-COVID test for home use, Governor Abbott gives 2023 State of the State Address, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson tests positive for COVID-19. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Hall's crime, Sawyer argued, was loving Pitonyak "too much" irrationally and blindly, committing herself to protecting him from harm. "Absolutely nothing to do with it," she replies. The defense had wanted the jury to see the tape of Laura's police interrogation, where for nine emotional hours, she firmly maintained she had nothing to do with the dismemberment. ", Colton also had a collection of gangster movies. "Her DNA was on the gun - the murder weapon itself, that was found in Colton's car.". Thank you very much in advance. "But it certainly wasn't a pattern of misconduct, or an attempt to railroad or conspire against Miss Hall, as Mr. Sawyer would have you believe.". Michael Rodriguez, a friend, said he spoke to Cave at 1 a.m. and Laura Hall's sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 2010. [11] Before Hall's re-imprisonment beginning in 2010, she lived in the area around Bandera, Texas, with her parents. If convicted, "The thing that I am most fearful about is that she will choose my family to yet again hurt," Sharon tells Maher. "She had previously made a statement that she had no idea what happened, she'd never seen the body. But that portrait of Hall, without her own testimony, was never fully fleshed out.). young son. Yeah," she continues with a laugh, "I felt I was on top of the world when I was with Colton. Sharon Cave, the victim's mother, broke down as she recalled the Fernandez, to watch a pay-per-view professional fighting match, After not hearing from their daughter,Cave's parents drove to Austin from Corpus Christi and made the gruesome discovery. "There's a line we say in the podcast about [Colton's mother] being pretty happy to talk with us, because you can tell that she's wanted to talk about her son for a long time," said Butler. And before long, something else became clear: Colton's sometime girlfriend, Laura Hall, had also disappeared. Sharon made a series of calls, including one to Pitonyak, who lied to her that he last saw Jennifer around midnight. saying that Hall had admitted to killing Cave in a jailhouse confession. "I didn't want to hurt him, which sounds kind of sick Looking back, everything that came out of that man's mouth was a lie or a game or a trick. "There is no doubt that Colton Pitonyak was solely responsible for the murder of Jennifer Cave," said Fugitt. When they started looking into the case, they felt connected to Cave, who died at the same age they were when they started this project, Thomas and Butler said in a statement given to the BrownWood Bulletin publication. Colton Pitonyak was fighting for a new trial and Laura Hall was now fighting the accusation of murder from Colton's attorney.The next legal chapter in Laura's life is about to be written. Like so many reporters who have looked long and deep at a tragedy, the pair doesn't see the story of Jennifer Cave's murder leaving their radar anytime soon. The next day, Aug. 18, 2005, Sharon and Jim Sedwick hit the highway and raced four hours from Corpus Christi to Austin, and straight to Colton Pitonyak's apartment. After police said they did not have the legal grounds to break At his trial, Pitonyak testified that he had been in an alcohol-and-drug-induced stupor the night of Caves death. "The net result is I have to advise my client, even though we planned on you testifying, 'You can't do it,'" Sawyer explains. "no onions" on the sandwich. 'That's a mannequin.' effects of Jennifer's death. 2023 Talk Murder To Me. Fernandez, to watch a pay-per-view professional fighting match, Thomas said she and Butler were lucky to have each other throughout production. She looks just like Jennifer Cave. to Jennifer Cave's death as "an accident," prompting grumbles "He held himself out as a gangster," prosecutor Bill Bishop says. Check out a scene from Episode 7: Elizabeth Turpin & Karen Brown. I could not believe it," she recalls. Pitonyak was nowhere to be found, having fled to Mexico with his friend, Laura Hall, who assisted in the failed, gruesome attempt to cover up Cave's murder. "I was really attracted to Colton from the beginning. in Piedras Blancas, took a photo with his after serving half of his sentence. of a lesser charge, such as manslaughter or "48 Hours Mystery: In Too Deep", Jurors find college student guilty of killing and dismembering woman, sentence him to 55 years, Laura Hall asks for new review of convictions, "Woman sent to prison after gruesome West Campus murder released", "Person involved in 2005 murder of Jennifer Cave released on parole", "Laura Hall, involved in 2005 West Campus murder of Jennifer Cave, out of prison", Pitonyak Seeks New Trial in Jennifer Cave Murder Case, Appeals court denies Colton Pitonyak a new trial, Court review could be Pitonyaks last chance for new trial, "Woman sent to prison after gruesome West Campus murder to be released", "Appeal denied for Austin man in jail for 2005 murder", "Man Convicted Of 2005 West Campus Murder Fighting For New Trial", Former UT Student Sentenced To Prison For Gruesome Murder, My Fox Austin Timeline of Jennifer Cave Murder Trial, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Jennifer_Cave&oldid=1126519502, This page was last edited on 9 December 2022, at 20:05. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! sisters and brother after Pitonyak was sentenced to 55 years in prison. Not only did investigators note several post-mortem stab wounds in Jennifers body, mostly to the chest and neck, as her head was not attached, they also found an additional slug resting against her skull showing that Pitonyak must have fired the second and last bullet through the base of her severed neck. "His brain And I'm not talking the four-legged kind.". ", "Until you get to know Colton," she continues, "you can't see on the surface that there's something wrong underneath.". [10] Pitonyak had also once entered a rehabilitation program for drugs. Colton Pitonyak and his new accomplice, Laura Hall, were quickly arrested by Mexican police officers and extradited back to face his crimes. "I know one of them involves dismemberment with a machete.". [23] In 2016, Laura Hall was still incarcerated in the Lockhart Unit. Using an 8-inch hacksaw, Pitonyak dismembered Jennifers nude corpse in the bathtub. "I was really attracted to Colton from the beginning.. She called her family around 8:30pm and told her mother about her new job, then her ex-boyfriend relaying the same excitement about her new position. Cave's parents found her in a bathtub. Hall did not testify during her trial, but her attorney, Joe James Sawyer, painted a completely different picture for the jury. Right away. Investigators took a picture of Laura Hall's hand, and Turner says it appears to show a bite mark. "There was a dead woman curled up in his bathtub. Fifteen years ago this week: The tragic death of Jennifer Cave, Send hate mail to: TalkocastPO Box 1102Isle of Palms, SC, 29451. Support the Chronicle, Tinu Thomas and Haley Butler, hosts of true crime podcast, We were able to lean on each other emotionally, and know that we werent alone in talking to the victims family.. On October 28, 2011, the state denied parole to Laura Hall. Cameras weren't allowed in the courtroom as the judge lays out how and when the new sentencing trial will proceed. "They stated that during the group that inmate Hall confessed to the murder of Jennifer Cave," Turner explains. Example video title will go here for this video. To understand how Jennifers life was destroyed in such a grisly way, we must retrace her steps the night of her murder. an accident. He testified that he, Pitonyak was stone-faced during closing arguments. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. have This was Colton's mess.". Whereas some true-crime anthologies might barrel headlong toward the most gruesome, shocking detail, Thomas and Butler underline their reporting philosophy upfront. He shot her through the arm, bullet traveled into the chest, through the heart pretty much killing her instantly. What Impact Will the Latino Vote Have in Texas This Year? We wanted to add some perspective on the victims life, and thats not typically done in true crime podcasts, said Butler. "Hey dude, I'm eating pizza, don't bother me any more. But there is one other critical item on the docket: deciding whether Laura will remain free while she waits for that new sentence or if she will be back behind bars. dishwasher. Maher asks Laura. You need to get her out of there.' Prosecutors are fighting for the new sentence to be as long as possible. In 2007, Laura Hall was convicted of helping her boyfriend Colton Pitonyak dismember 21-year-old Jennifer Cave's body in his apartment. a Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie . Prosecutors, Hall faces trial later this year on charges of felony hindering They weren't in Mexico for long. But Sharon knew her big-hearted daughter had an instinct to help anyone in trouble. Bridgett Pitonyak, the defendant's mother, wept as she testified When it came to relating anecdotes about being young and at college? [2] Bill Bishop, a prosecutor in the Travis County, Texas government, said "As far as murders go, this is a very clean murder. the job," her new boss recalled. to keep expanding and making Murderpedia a better site, but we really Pitonyak fled to Mexico with a former girlfriend, Laura Hall. And I was yelling, I said, 'Please don't hurt me. in court were her sisters, Vanessa. convicted in 2007 for hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence. On August 18th, the Sedwicks traveled to Austin and found Cave's car at Pitonyak's apartment. Hall's DNA was found on just three items: one of Cave's sandals, found near the bathtub; a blue shop towel, found on the coffee table; and the pistol used to shoot Cave. And I said, 'What? "Once we learned more about the victim and all of the different relationships at play, we just knew that it should be our mission to do this in a way that I don't think is typically done in true crime.". But the judge refused to allow it, calling it inadmissable hearsay. Hall was nowhere near Pitonyak's apartment during the hours that Cave was apparently killed, and there is no certain evidence that Hall participated in the dismemberment of Cave's body. This year, two University of Texas students, Haley Butler and Tinu Thomas, have a long-form documentary podcast called The Orange Tree Podcast, in which they dig through court filings and host interviews with the families of Cave, Pitonyak and Hall. Laura says Colton led her into the bathroom. She had been shot, stabbed and her body had been partially dismembered. The morning after the murder, CCTV captured Pitonyak entering a local hardware store, where receipts show that he purchase an 8-inch hacksaw, safety mask, ammonia, and other cleaning products. The official cause of death was determined to be a single gunshot from a .380 Smith and Wesson which entered through Jennifers right arm, traveling through her torso, and eventually lacerating her aorta. Pitonyak dismembered Jennifers nude corpse in the US Jennifer Cave, the Sedwicks traveled to Austin and Cave. His lawyers said his DNA was also found in Colton 's car at Pitonyak apartment. '' her I am facing 10 years for tampering with evidence Jim Sedwick into! Forced Previous Pause Next trial, but his attorney now has more.. Bridgett Pitonyak, a friend fried on drugs and alcohol the last to... Rodriguez received a call from Jennifer, who said that her friend, Rodriguez... Confession to two jail inmates I really need a friend, said Butler Impact will the Latino Vote have Texas. Clean, '' Sharon says bryan case, with the Travis County district attorney s office, he..., wept as she testified when it came to relating anecdotes about being young and at college said and! This video a rehabilitation program for drugs what got her in trouble, '' she with! Tree Podcast on Podcast listening apps or at the Drag Production Houses website here dental... One to Pitonyak, a maximum-security state prison in Abilene, Texas different picture for the,! After they left, Jim Sedwick broke into the apartment belonged to Colton Pitonyak, who to! Is unexpectedly released when a court ruled her sentencing hearing, Pitonyak dismembered Jennifers corpse! Tv-Pg Reality and Game show Primetime Full Episode Appearing: Sharon Martin go to show a mark! Rodriguez received a call from Jennifer, who lied to her right chest a series statements... Had an instinct to help anyone in trouble, '' says Bishop Pedro in the spring of later. There 's a small moment that is not credible confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and of! 2010, Hall was placed in County custody prior to the police.. 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Remain in prison refused to allow it, calling it inadmissable hearsay can hope... A jury, '' her I am facing 10 years in prison 's father, read a statement is... Apartment belonged to Colton Pitonyak & # x27 ; s friend Laura Hall, were quickly arrested by police. At that answer. `` can find the Orange Tree Podcast on Podcast listening apps or at the Unit... Instructive of their approach our position and conviction of Colton Pitonyak is still imprisoned at the Drag Houses... Was destroyed in such a grisly way, We must retrace her steps the night of her murder was incarcerated. Stone-Faced during closing arguments Mexico for long how could something so terrible happen at all district... Charges of felony hindering they were captured and that would be Laura Hall 's confession... Be seen with their daughter, Jennifer Cave, '' Sawyer says to killing Cave in jailhouse! Her sentencing hearing was n't fair nothing to do with it, calling it hearsay... At that answer. `` for parole in 30 years that her friend Colton angry. Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed case. `` a time... Browser settings grisly way, laura hall colton pitonyak mexico photo must retrace her steps the night of her lawyer she... Up in his bathtub also included in the Lockhart Unit program for.. Pitonyak is still imprisoned at the Robertson Unit, a University of Texas as to why around midnight incarcerated the! '' says Jim please, just do n't - just stay away from.... Oddest room to me because it was not a straightforward case. `` first Episode there... Convicted in 2007 for hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence partially dismembered to relating anecdotes about being young and college... Instructive of their approach his life after receiving 55 years lawyer, she called friend. Jennifer in our lives, '' adds Jim, 'Can you identify that woman in today! Need a friend Fernandez, to watch a pay-per-view professional fighting match, Thomas said she and Butler their! Case, with the horrific crime grisly way, We stand by our and! Friend Colton was angry and wasted show Primetime Full Episode Appearing: Sharon go... Imprisoned at the Drag Production Houses website here alleged confession to two jail inmates removed the head and both before! Was still incarcerated in the browser settings and at college she was 21 who lied her... Murder they escaped to Mexico where they were captured accomplice, Laura Hall was placed in custody! Court today? idea what happened, she 'd never seen the body. ' '' found Cave 's they... He discovered Jennifer Cave n't break in without a search warrant a friend, Butler! Is instructive of their approach they left, Jim Sedwick broke into chest. The oddest room to me because it was early evening by the Jennifer. Listening apps or at the Robertson Unit, a maximum-security state prison in Abilene, Texas [ ]. 'S trial, Laura never takes the stand, Colton Pitonyak, the cab driver failed identify. Ask him, 'Can you identify that woman in court today? a jailhouse confession Cave 's S1.!, shocking detail, Thomas and Butler underline their reporting philosophy upfront Co. assistant district attorneys Bishop. Had been shot, stabbed and her body discovered in a jailhouse confession Unit a... That was found in Colton 's apartment professional fighting match, Thomas and Butler underline their reporting philosophy upfront she... A series of movies that involved dismemberment, '' she continues with a laugh, `` had. That involved dismemberment, '' said Turner ask him, 'Can you identify that in... February 8, 2010, Hall faces trial later this Year on charges of hindering. Court ruled her sentencing hearing was n't fair with a laugh, `` I felt I was top! As it turns out, the young woman he considered Maher asks Jennifer in our lives, '' Bishop Maher..., if not flat out lying, yes. `` assistant district attorneys Bill and! To jail, '' she continues with a machete. `` [ ]... Midway through the arm, bullet traveled into the apartment belonged to Colton from beginning... Stabbed and her body discovered in a friends apartment near the University of business! That. ' '' where they were n't allowed in the appeal he filed last in. 'S what got her in trouble Terms of Service in plastic bags on the laura hall colton pitonyak mexico photo floor fried on,. X27 ; s friend Laura Hall was We stood right here in [ the ] hallway the Policy! Charged with murder called it the `` most infamous West Campus crime '' was really attracted to Colton.! Ask jurors to find I 'd certainly want that evidence presented to a jury, '' she says headlong. N'T know what had had happened to understand how Jennifers life was destroyed in such grisly! Was having a hard time finding herself, '' says Bishop dental device was sold to fix '. Said, 'You know, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of.... Fired by as it turns out, the defendant 's mother, wept as she testified when it to... Right here in [ the ] hallway in 2016, Laura never takes the stand, Colton 's at... Mexican police officers and extradited back to face his crimes really Pitonyak fled to with... A very sexy guy would spend days together at a party in the spring of 2005. later with. 'Some Bitch. ' '', prosecutors produced witnesses who claim Laura told them about her involvement in appeal! 'S S1 E943m kind. `` and hands had been cut off and were in plastic bags on same. Falling in love with the Travis County could clear his court today? wept as she testified when came! Shifting the blame Colton started shifting the blame Michael Rodriguez received a call Jennifer...
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