Tylar Witt resided with her mother, Joanne Witt, in a luxurious neighborhood in El Dorado Hills, California. Joanne, aged 47 and employed as an assistant engineer at the county’s Department of Transportation, worked diligently to provide for her daughter. She funded Tylar’s horse riding lessons and they enjoyed cooking and watching movies together until their relationship took a dark turn.
At 14 years old, Tylar, on the brink of starting high school at Oak Ridge High School, became involved with her older boyfriend, Steven Colver, 19, likening their romance to a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. Amid Joanne’s threat to press charges against Colver for statutory rape, the couple believed their only fate was a tragic end akin to Shakespeare’s famous characters.
Tragically, Joanne was fatally stabbed on June 11, 2009, by her own daughter and her boyfriend. The events leading to this horrific act unfolded amidst a series of disturbing revelations.
The pair initially met in December 2008 at a local coffee shop, where Tylar was captivated by Colver’s charm. Their relationship evolved quickly, escalating to illicit drug use and reckless behavior, unbefitting of Tylar’s age. Meanwhile, Joanne, seeking a tenant to assist with living expenses, unknowingly welcomed Colver into their home, believing him to be gay. However, it became apparent that he was in a clandestine relationship with Tylar.
Upon discovering the truth, Joanne confronted Colver and reported the statutory rape incident to the authorities. Despite Tylar’s assurance to end the relationship, evidence later surfaced in her diary detailing continued intimacy with Colver. This revelation led to a confrontation, resulting in a rift between mother and daughter.
The grim saga culminated in Joanne’s brutal murder, orchestrated by Tylar and Colver to be together. The couple’s attempt to flee was thwarted when a friend disclosed their crime to the authorities. Subsequently, both were arrested and charged with murder, ultimately turning against each other in court.
Tylar’s charge was reduced to second-degree murder after agreeing to testify against Colver. Testimonies revealed a chilling account of the night of the murder, with Colver and Tylar collaborating in the heinous act. Colver’s conviction for first-degree murder led to a life sentence, while Tylar received a 15 years to life sentence for second-degree murder, later granted parole in 2022.
The harrowing events shed light on a tragic tale of manipulation, drug abuse, and betrayal, resonating with the profound loss suffered by Joanne’s family.
