Tylar Witt resided in El Dorado Hills, California, with her mother, Joanne Witt, who worked as an assistant engineer for the county’s Department of Transportation. Joanne, aged 47, strived to provide her daughter with everything she needed, including riding lessons and shared activities like cooking and movie nights. However, their close relationship took a turn for the worse when Tylar, a 14-year-old about to start high school, became involved with Steven Colver, a 19-year-old whom she viewed as a modern-day Romeo to her Juliet.
The situation escalated when Joanne threatened to report Colver for statutory rape, leading Tylar and Colver to believe that their only option was a tragic end akin to Shakespeare’s famous lovers. In a shocking turn of events, Joanne was found stabbed to death on June 11, 2009, a heinous act committed by her own daughter and her boyfriend.
The couple’s relationship began innocently in a local coffee shop in December 2008 but quickly spiraled into a tumultuous affair involving drugs and risky behavior. Joanne, unaware of the true nature of their relationship, allowed Colver to move into their home, only to later discover the disturbing truth.
After Joanne caught Tylar and Colver together, she filed a complaint for statutory rape, but Tylar’s diary revealed that they continued their relationship in secret. When Joanne confronted Tylar with the evidence, tensions escalated, leading to the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful night.
Following Joanne’s murder, Tylar and Colver attempted to evade capture but ultimately confessed to a friend, leading to their arrest and subsequent murder charges. Tylar later testified against Colver, resulting in a reduced charge for her. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, the truth of the events that transpired shed light on the manipulation and drug abuse that influenced the tragic turn of events.
Colver was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole, while Tylar received a 15-year-to-life sentence for second-degree murder. After serving her time, Tylar was granted parole in 2022 and released the following year.