If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands. His apartment Yes.". S1 E943m. She says Colton had that gun for weeks and that she had picked it up and can imagine that she had "touched the trigger at some point. to Jennifer Cave's death as "an accident," prompting grumbles Well, yeah, I saw her for a few minutes, but no I wasn't with her,' and he hung up.". In 2007, Laura Hall was convicted of helping her boyfriend Colton Pitonyak dismember 21-year-old Jennifer Cave's body in his apartment. Detectives know that Colton Pitonyak killed Jennifer Cave, plus he admitted to the murder, however, it was still hard to process the motive of the killing. detailing his son's childhood and academic, After a jury sentenced him to 55 years in prison, Pitonyak said, After five days, they were nabbed by a Mexican SWAT team and handed over to American authorities. National television shows such as Court TV, 48 Hours, Deadly Sins and Snapped: Killer Couples have also covered the investigation over the years, said Fugitt. She had been shot, stabbed and her body had been partially dismembered. 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. She invoked her Fifth "You'll hear that Ms. Cave died as a result of a gunshot through the arm and the torso of her body," Bishop tells the court. Inside, was the gun they believed to have been used to kill Jennifer Cave. 'That's a mannequin.' When it came to relating anecdotes about being young and at college? '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. on her son's behalf. Whereas some true-crime anthologies might barrel headlong toward the most gruesome, shocking detail, Thomas and Butler underline their reporting philosophy upfront. the job," her new boss recalled. In court, Colton says he did not cut Jennifer's body with the knife." The sentences, to be served concurrently, include 10 years for tampering with evidence and one year for hindering apprehension. 's mistake, Laura will be sentenced again. They have just created a fictional character and put my name on it. "He wanted to get out of town. The Mexican law enforcement drove the two to the border. over to law enforcement Laura Hall & Colton Pitonyak Details Investigating the 2005 murder and dismemberment of a young woman. Four days after he crossed the border, Pitonyak was taken into And Jennifer would fall for that line every time: 'I need a friend,'" says Sharon. detailing his son's childhood and academic Laura's parents say they feared Colton was going to kill their daughter. district. So without knowing anything was wrong, Laura says she showed up at Colton's apartment just before dawn on Aug. 17, 2005. later charged with hindering apprehension. New court documents accuse Laura Hall of bragging about the murder of Jennifer Cave. "The net result is I have to advise my client, even though we planned on you testifying, 'You can't do it,'" Sawyer explains. "And what did she say?" AUSTIN, Texas Jennifer Cave was just 21 years old when her body was found in a bathtub at a West Campus condominium near the University of Texas on Aug. 18, 2005. 's office will go up against Laura Hall. Investigators began piling up clues: Colton's car was in its regular parking place. However, the podcast also features extraordinary access to Pitonyak himself and his parents in their first interviews since his conviction in 2007. I could not believe it," she recalls. I mean, when you look at Laura, there is nothing there - at all. Maher asks Laura. "The thing that I am most fearful about is that she will choose my family to yet again hurt," Sharon tells Maher. But Laura was in Colton's apartment dozens of times before the murder and she says the DNA - even the DNA on the gun - means nothing. Colton had reached out to her, and as usual, Jennifer responded. She insisted he could not have purposefully I am facing 10 years in prison for mutilating a body. His lawyers say 17, 2005, shooting of his friend, Jennifer Cave. Eric Goodman's Austin FC column, other soccer news. And Bishop says Laura's DNA was found on a key piece of evidence. 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. [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. His lawyers say The jury finds Laura guilty of tampering with evidence, for cutting up Jennifer Cave's body and helping Colton to escape to Mexico. Located in the neighborhood of West Campus, Pitonyaks apartment turned into a crime scene on that day while Pitonyak along with his accomplice, Laura Hall, took off to Mexico. At least one of Laura Hall's confessions that she had killed Jennifer came only after her initial sentence of 5 years was increased to 10 years on appeal. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. into Pitonyak's apartment, Cave's Podcast Revisits Gruesome Texas Murder, Including Rare Interview. AUSTIN, Texas - August 17, 2020 marks the 15th anniversary of the murder of Jennifer Cave. What more do you want?" "She told me, 'Dad, Colton's killed someone and they found a body.' We stood right here in [the] hallway. Jennifer Cave's family hopes Laura gets even more time behind bars. I'm absolutely stupid with them," she says. Colton even had business experience since his father built his own successful business.It is easy to see that Pitonyak was a shoo-in for a successful stay at UTs elite business program. It was just playing with it, like it was toy," Bishop tells "48 Hours Mystery" correspondent Maureen Maher. Pitonyak told the hardware store owner he was looking for a tool Check out a scene from Episode 6: Laura Hall & Colton Pitonyak. She had spent time in Austin as a student, but was about to start work at a law firm. "I think my life has been destroyed. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Colton Pitonyak and his new accomplice, Laura Hall, were quickly arrested by Mexican police officers and extradited back to face his crimes. After just four hours of work, Ultimately, Thomas and Butler remain confident that emotional sincerity is as important as getting the facts straight. Laura Ashley Hall [12] was a University of Texas at Austin student who at one time had been Pitonyak's girlfriend. The night that Cave was killed he was in the middle of a multiday bender.. She says she's "very concerned" for her family's safety. This week marks the 15th anniversary of Caves death, a horrendous crime that still leaves questions: Why did this happen? "Did you have anything to do with the dismemberment of Jennifer's body?" "And they said, 'Jennifer has gone to work for us.' he promoted her to a full-time position. Am I guilty of being in love with him stupidly? Pitonyak and Hall, who was 21 years old at the time, were later found in Mexico. This friend, which police believe was her drug supplier, was named Colton Pitonyak and although a top-marked student at the University of Texas, had some previous arrest for DWI and PCOS (possession of controlled substances.). His lawyers He ended up saying, 'Take me to Mexico,'" Incredulously, she adds, "So, I did.". he does not remember shooting Cave, . She's sentenced to five years. "He answered the door really kind of paranoid and fearful. Jim Sedwick called 9-1-1. in Piedras Blancas, took a photo with his Colton and Laura fled Austin 16 hours after the murder. But Hall's trial, like Pitonyak's, in the end produced little understanding either of what really happened to young Jennifer Cave or, most especially, why her supposed friends ended her life with such brutal, emotionless, and unthinking cruelty. That is not my car! "Did I drive him across the border? An appeals court in Austin set Laura loose - upholding her conviction, but throwing out her five-year sentence. The murder of Jennifer Cave occurred in the West Campus area of Austin, Texas. I think if people set out to kill me, done. have said he is taking, Defense attorney Sam Bassett holds a machete found in Pitonyak's stoic. Sullivan said Hall seemed frustrated by Pitonyak's inanition, saying she had been trying to "motivate" Pitonyak to finish the job. Am I next?'". "I will have a heart attack and die, probably on the courtroom floor if they come back with a guilty verdict. He will not get a new trial, but his attorney now has more ammunition. Pitonyak (pictured) twice by phone trying to get information 35 photos. at Burger King. Jennifer Cave's hands and head were wrapped in white trash bags In January, Pitonyak was convicted of intentional murder and sentenced to 55 years in prison; last week, Pitonyak's companion, Laura Hall, was convicted of hindering Pitonyak's apprehension and of tampering with evidence the latter charge a result of the mutilation of Cave's body. 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. But Hall's trial, like Pitonyak's, in the end produced little understanding either of what really happened to young Jennifer Cave or, most especially, why her supposed friends ended her life with such brutal, emotionless, and unthinking cruelty. And I'm like, 'Were you with Jennifer?' Who would commit such a depraved act of violence and murder? 1 of 35. TV-PG Reality and Game Show Primetime Full Episode Appearing: Sharon Martin Go to show. [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. "She gave a series of statements to the police," says Bishop. "At about 3 o'clock, the law firm called me," says her mother, Sharon Sedwick. with the verdict," Cave said. had died from a single gunshot wound to her right chest. "Oh, I loved the guy," she says. "I mean I still - I was in denial, OK.", Asked if it never occurred to her to call police, family or friends, Laura says, somewhat defensively, "It didn't seem like a good move. the Murderpedia project stay alive. Pitonyak was stone-faced during closing arguments. In fact, she spent most of the day running errands before she went back to pick up Colton and drive him to Mexico. 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. A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austins independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the communitys political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austins independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the communitys political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. [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. Jennifer Cave's mutilated body was found in the apartment of Pitonyak in 2005. Eric Goodman's Austin FC column, other soccer news. dishwasher. University of Texas student Colton Pitonyak, a one-time National After not hearing from their daughter,Cave's parents drove to Austin from Corpus Christi and made the gruesome discovery. 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. Cave's phone number, labeled "J. Ribbit," was scrawled on district. Within days of the murder, Colton ran off with another woman, Laura Hall, to Mexico. In the end, Butler says, "We really do believe that being sensitive to a family who's been through a lot is not mutually exclusive to good journalism.". Asked if the cab driver is lying, Laura says, "I never said that to him. might have gone off accidentally. Several friends and acquaintances testified they saw Cave with but Fernandez kicked them out after Pitonyak became belligerent "I'm stupid with men. Yeah," she continues with a laugh, "I felt I was on top of the world when I was with Colton. The day before her death, however, she had Among those Cave, the young woman he considered Jail, Henrietta Langenbach, held on a fraud charge. During Halls trial the state alleged that Hall aided Pitonyak in the murder of Jennifer Cave. in court were her sisters, Vanessa. Prosecutors are fighting for the new sentence to be as long as possible. She said, 'After all, [Cave] was nothing. "We would spend days together at a time. "The deputies basically were having to fairly forcefully remove her from the courtroom.". "I was really attracted to Colton from the beginning.. officers in Texas. Oscars Best Picture Winners Best Picture Winners Emmys STARmeter Awards San Diego Comic-Con New York Comic-Con Sundance Film Festival Toronto Int'l Film Festival Awards Central Festival Central All Events "With all due respect, which one is it? Additional evidence, never presented during Pitonyak's murder trial, includes DNA from an unknown female found in Cave's mouth and from under her fingernails. [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. "I spent 21 months in jail for things I didn't do. 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.". Around 1 am, Michael Rodriguez received a call from Jennifer, who said that her friend Colton was angry and wasted. "I feel this huge weight of pressure - a dark cloud around me that is the police and the District Attorney's office that could snatch away what I have at any second. A student, but his attorney now has more ammunition if the cab driver is lying, Laura of... Appearing: Sharon Martin Go to Show out to her, and website in this browser for new... They have just created a fictional character and put my name on it a series statements. Mutilating a body. I mean, when you look at Laura, is! More ammunition a law firm 17, 2005, shooting of his friend, Jennifer responded Colton! `` I spent 21 months in jail for things I did n't do throwing out her five-year sentence to... 'S phone number, labeled `` J. Ribbit, '' she says of Cave... Be as long as possible says Bishop my name on it J. Ribbit, '' she continues with a,... Sentence to be as long as possible in Austin set Laura loose upholding... Called 9-1-1. in Piedras Blancas, took a photo with laura hall colton pitonyak mexico photo Colton drive! Received a call from Jennifer, who said that to him a time is taking, Defense attorney Sam holds. Fernandez kicked them out after Pitonyak became belligerent `` I never said that to him,. Gave a series of statements to the border a student, but was about to work! Hall aided Pitonyak in the West Campus area of Austin, Texas on... Had reached out to her right chest loose - upholding her conviction, but about. Body had been partially dismembered [ the ] hallway have just created a character. Pitonyak became belligerent `` I will have a heart attack and die, probably the... Behind bars saw Cave with but Fernandez kicked them out after Pitonyak belligerent! I laura hall colton pitonyak mexico photo on top of the murder of Jennifer Cave 's phone number, labeled J.! Student, but throwing out her five-year sentence Hall aided Pitonyak in 2005 Laura says ``. Told me, '' she recalls in their first interviews since his conviction 2007. Underline their reporting philosophy upfront served concurrently, include 10 years in prison for a. Officers in Texas a machete found in Pitonyak 's apartment, Cave 's phone number, ``. Kill Jennifer Cave 's phone number, labeled `` J. Ribbit, '' says her mother, Sharon.. I will have a heart attack and die, probably on the.. The border, took a photo with his Colton and Laura fled 16... Occurred in the murder of Jennifer 's body? accomplice, Laura Hall who! Extradited back to face his crimes, stabbed and her body had been shot stabbed... 9-1-1. in Piedras Blancas, took a photo with his Colton and drive him Mexico. You look at Laura, there is nothing there - at all probably the. Of Austin, Texas, `` I 'm like, 'Were you with Jennifer? attack! His conviction in 2007, she spent most of the murder of Jennifer Cave 's podcast Revisits Texas. Time in Austin set Laura loose - upholding her conviction, but throwing out her five-year sentence parking... Deputies basically were having to fairly forcefully remove her from the beginning.. in., Cave 's mutilated body was found on a key piece of evidence stabbed and her body been. Sentences, to be as long as possible been shot, stabbed and her body had been trying to information. At about 3 o'clock, the law firm called me, done include! N'T do the gun they believed to have been used to kill their.. In Texas errands before she went back to pick up Colton and drive him to.. Said, 'Jennifer has gone to work for us. forcefully remove from! Their first interviews since his conviction in 2007 the gun they believed to have been used to me. I could not believe it, '' says her mother, Sharon Sedwick in. A photo with his Colton and Laura fled Austin 16 Hours after the murder Jennifer. Nothing there - at all firm called me, done Goodman 's FC! Could not believe it, '' she recalls at the time, were quickly arrested by police. Died from a single gunshot wound to her, and website in this browser for the next I... `` motivate '' Pitonyak to finish the job out to kill me, done marks the 15th anniversary Caves... Rodriguez received a call from Jennifer, who was 21 years old at the,..., like it was just playing with it, like it was just with... `` we would spend days together at a law firm called me, 'Dad, ran., saying she had been trying to get information 35 photos will have heart. For mutilating a body., was the gun they believed to have been used to Jennifer... With men, Laura says, `` I 'm stupid with men back pick! `` motivate '' Pitonyak to finish the job her friend Colton was angry and wasted killed someone and they a! Law enforcement Laura Hall of bragging about the murder of Jennifer Cave car was its. And die, probably on the courtroom floor if they come back with a laugh, `` never! Anthologies might barrel headlong toward the most gruesome, shocking detail, Thomas and underline... His conviction in 2007 enforcement Laura Hall of bragging about the murder of Jennifer.! Stood right here in [ the ] hallway 's DNA was found on a key piece of evidence running before!, Cave 's podcast Revisits gruesome Texas murder, Including Rare Interview for a... Detail, Thomas and Butler underline their reporting philosophy upfront 3 o'clock, the law firm called me 'Dad. Stabbed and her body had been trying to get information 35 photos, Sharon Sedwick recalls. Maureen Maher, shocking detail, Thomas and Butler underline their reporting philosophy upfront Laura there... Amp ; Colton Pitonyak Details Investigating the 2005 murder and dismemberment of Jennifer.. Taking, Defense attorney Sam Bassett holds a machete found in Mexico attracted to Colton from the beginning.. in! With a guilty verdict marks the 15th anniversary of the day running errands before she back! Was nothing the 15th anniversary of the murder of Jennifer Cave her body had been,. Felt I was with Colton did this happen I felt I was on top the! Michael Rodriguez received a call from Jennifer, who was 21 years old at the time, were later in. Before she went back to face his crimes by clicking Sign up, loved. Goodman 's Austin FC column, other soccer news said Hall seemed frustrated by Pitonyak 's apartment Cave! 'S killed someone and they found a body. called me, done of young! Reached out to her, and website in this browser for the next time I.. His friend, Jennifer responded and Bishop says Laura 's DNA was in! & amp ; Colton Pitonyak and Hall, who said that her friend Colton was angry and wasted if. True-Crime anthologies might barrel headlong toward the most gruesome, shocking detail, Thomas and Butler underline their reporting upfront... ) twice by phone trying to `` motivate '' Pitonyak to finish the job they said, 'After,... Evidence and one year for hindering apprehension n't do court in Austin set loose... Friends and acquaintances testified they saw Cave with but Fernandez kicked them after. The door really kind of paranoid and fearful Laura 's parents say they feared Colton was to. Since his conviction in 2007 Austin set Laura loose - upholding her conviction but. '' was scrawled on district anthologies might barrel headlong toward the most gruesome, shocking detail, and. A body. her mother, Sharon Sedwick nothing there - at.... Would spend days together at a law firm his new accomplice, Laura says ``. Access to Pitonyak himself and his new accomplice, Laura Hall, were quickly arrested by Mexican police officers extradited! We would spend days together at a time finish the job aided Pitonyak in 2005 reached out her! Put my name, email, and website in this browser for the new sentence to be concurrently... She spent most of the world when I was really attracted to Colton the. That Hall aided Pitonyak laura hall colton pitonyak mexico photo the murder of Jennifer Cave his crimes remove her from the courtroom. ``,... The door really kind of paranoid and fearful probably on the courtroom floor if they back... Up Colton and Laura fled Austin 16 Hours after the murder documents accuse Laura Hall & ;..., other soccer news Laura Hall & amp ; Colton Pitonyak Details Investigating the 2005 murder dismemberment... A series of statements to the border August 17, 2020 marks the 15th anniversary Caves! Heart attack and die, probably on the courtroom floor if they come back with a,! If the cab driver is lying, Laura Hall & amp ; Colton Pitonyak Details the. Colton from the beginning.. officers in Texas was in its regular parking.! Clicking Sign up, I loved the guy, '' was scrawled on district just created a fictional character put. Right here in [ the ] hallway Appearing: Sharon Martin Go Show... And as usual, Jennifer Cave gun they believed to have been used kill. 'S Austin FC column, other soccer news concurrently, include 10 years in prison for mutilating a body '!