A Descent into Hell

The True Story of an Altar Boy, a Cheerleader, and a Twisted Texas Murder

By: Kathryn Casey

Narrated by: Gillian Vance

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Bright, attractive, and both from good families, University of Texas college student Colton Pitonyak and vibrant redhead Jennifer Cave had the world at their beckoning. Cave, an ex-cheerleader, had just landed an exciting new job, while a big-money scholarship to UT's prestigious business school lured Pitonyak to Austin. Yet the former altar boy had a dark, unpredictable streak, one that ensnared him in the perilous underworld of drugs and guns. When Jennifer failed to show up for work on August 18, 2005, her mother became frightened. Sharon Cave's search led to Colton's West Campus apartment, where Jennifer's family discovered a scene worthy of the grisliest horror movie. Meanwhile, Colton Pitonyak was nowhere to be found.

A Descent into Hell is the gripping, true story of one of the most brutal slayings in UT history - and the wild "Bonnie and Clyde-like" flight from justice of a cold-blooded young killer and his would-be girlfriend, who claimed that her unquestioning allegiance to Pitonyak was "just the way I roll".

©2008 Kathryn Casey (P)2012 Kathryn Casey

Gripping story

Any additional comments?

Kathryn Casey does an excellent job telling the story of the murder/dismemberment of Jennifer Cave by Colton Polyak and Laura Hall. Casey is one of the most talented writers of true crime in the business. I like her as well as Jack Olsen. This story is very interesting. Colton had every opportunity and ability to really be successful in life - but he threw it all away because of drugs. Jennifer was his friend and she also had trouble with drugs, but was trying to turn her life around. She wound up dead and dismembered in Colton's apartment. Laura was in her apartment at some time during the time Jennifer was dismembered and she helped Colton escape from the country. They were captured, pointed their fingers at each other and a trial ensued. The writer gives us a clear picture of the victim/perpetrators and their families. The character I disliked the most is Laura Hall. she is despicable. Well performed by Gillian Vance.

True crime done right!

This book is very well written and researched with unexpected twists and characters. easy to listen to and details of the players and events moves this story move quickly. Small warning; the details of the gruesome crime are covered very thoroughly which I appreciated but some listeners might not enjoy.

Shocked ! My prayers to you Jen and family 💞😇

I'm in grief and shock , feeling so much love ! for Jennifer and her family. It is 2018, January 10. I will never forget ! I will always have a place in my heart and soul for you. My prayer's will always be for Jennifer and the family. God be with you all. Kathryn Casey you are a gifted writer. Gilliam Vance, you are a gifted narrator !

great book.

I really like this one it was interesting but many mistakes on little things. I dont know if it was the narrator or author but definitely annoying.

Interesting

Where does A Descent into Hell rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of my favourite audio books so far. Kathryn Casey did thorough research and bought the people involved in the awful events of the book to life. You get to know the family of Jennifer Cave as well as Jennifer herself and the events leading up to the crime.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Descent into Hell?

The way that Jennifer's mother knew something was wrong and how they found her was engrossing because it was true and so shocking. My favourite part of the book was what Jennifer's mother said to Laura Hall in court - finally someone telling her the truth.

What about Gillian Vance’s performance did you like?

The performance was spot-on and kept me involved in the story. Gillian Vance reads with a great rhythm that kept me engaged.

Any additional comments?

I admired Jennifer's mother and family so much after hearing their story and hope they've been able to find some peace. I can't imagine going through what they have and still behaving with such dignity, integrity and love.

Very good!

Another excellent "True Crime" story! It's so obvious that the author truly researched the event and persons involved--and the book is so well-written! Excellent narration too!

Sad but True

Made me realize how easy it is to loose our children to drugs and the horrific outcome of it. Very very good book!

Two people were guilty...

The story made me very sad; filled me with extreme fury for a brutal murder, as well as those who claimed that drugs and alcohol are an excuse for depravity.

Kept my internet all the through.

Also, this was a terrific narrator! True crime fans will definitely enjoy this book with a great story.

Fascinating Account of Heinous Crime

Where does A Descent into Hell rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rank this book in my top Five of all crime novels written in the past 20 years!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The lead-in to the crime usually involves a good bit of tedium in these books, not here, the narrator paints a vivid pre-crime atmosphere.

What does Gillian Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator adeptly brings the characters to life and draws the listener in immediately. Great Job!

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

It was concerning to learn the ambivalence the murderer and his accomplice showed toward the victim.

Any additional comments?

I would really like to hear more from this author and narrator on other true crime events.