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rachely's Blog

by rachely from East Austin

Last Post 108 days, 6 hours Ago



I'm about to start reading Kathryn Casey's book, A Descent Into Hell, about Colton Pitonyak's murder of Jennifer Cave and his relationship with Laura Hall and I wanted to invite readers and viewers to pick up the book, read along with me and we can discuss it here on my blog.

I was a student at UT when the murder happened, living just three blocks down from the apartment where Jennifer's remains were found in the bathtub of Colton's unit. I was absolutely captivated by the case and how closely some of my own friends resembled the three people this case centered around. I spent hours scouring the internet for any personal detail I could find on Laura, Colton or Jennifer, watched online video of Colton's trial and recorded the 48 Hours episode on Laura.

So, I'm starting the book tonight. I believe it is available at most book stores and is published by Harper Collins. Check back for more as I dive deeper into the book and refresh your memories of the case with these FOX stories:

Appeals Court Upholds Pitonyak Conviction
Jury Sentences Pitonyak to 55 Years in Jail
Store Owner Testifies Pitonyak Bought Hacksaw, Gloves
Evidence From Cave Murder Released
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Member Comments Total Comments: 2
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Brer-Rabbit read my blog
Jul 29, 2008 | 1:04 PM

I hope you enjoy the book, Rachel. I finished it last week. It was pretty good although written in a sensationalistic style I found annoying. THe title is lurid as is the book's cover. Too bad. Makes the book look cheap and not a work of true journalism.

Also, There are inaccurate facts mentioned in the book that undermined Kathryn Casey's journalist cred. For example, did you know that the section of 6th Street between Congress Ave and I-35 is known to UT students as "The Drag?" Or that Jennifer Cave liked to get coffe at Little City on "Congress Street?"

I mean, c'mon. Kathryn Casey lives in Houston but she doesn't know the Texas Capital is on Congress Avenue (not Street?)

The book's opening page mention's Charles Whitman's 1966 sniper spree as lasting "80 minutes." Actually, Whitman shot for 96-minutes.

This is nitpicking, I know, but it makes me wonder how many other facts she got wrong. A good read for locals interested in the case but loose/lazy research bugs me.

Casey also repeated alludes to Jennifer Cave's "ghost" visiting her family. This phenom. was related to Casey by members of the Cave family but I still found it sensationalistic and annoying.

As for the tale itself...what I found most interesting was the role Laura Hall played in the crime. As the story unfolds, Hall emerges as much more of a monster than Pitonak. At the time of the murder, Pitonyak had been up for days smoking meth and drinking. I honestly believe he DID mean to shoot Cave but was not in a rational state of mind at the time of the murder. Had Pitonyak called the police ri

Brer-Rabbit read my blog
Jul 29, 2008 | 1:06 PM

(cont)

...Had Pitonyak called the police right after the shooting, I am sure he would have recieved maybe 10 years for 2nd degree murder as apposed to 55 years he recieved instead.

Laura Hall, however, is a true phycopath who relishedein her role in the dismemberment of Cave and in planning the flight to Mexico.

BTW-If you look up "48 hours Mysteries" on the internet, the cable show has an unnerving interview with Hall recorded before her trial. VERY creepy. That young lady is much more dangerous than Pitonyak, IMO.

You should post Casey's interview with Joe Bickett on GDA.

If you like true crime, let me know. It is a passion of mine and I would be glad to recommend some true "classics" of the genre.

Hope you enjoy the book.

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rachely

I'm a born and bred Austinite ( a rare find nowadays) and have experienced many facets of the city. Currently I'm living in East Austin near Lady Bird Lake and have found this part of town to be the most colorful, interesting and pleasant part of the city I've ever lived in. This blog will focus primarily on life in East Austin and the news and issues that surround this part of town ranging from gentrification to entertainment and growth. For more information you can also visit my other blog on Austin fashion at www.austinstylewatch.com

Member Since: 5/21/2008