Colver And Witt Sentenced To Life In Prison For Murder
PLACERVILLE, Calif. (CBS/AP) – Steven Colver, the man convicted of killing his girlfriend's mother, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His girlfriend, Tylar Witt, was also sentenced to life in prison, but with the possibility of parole in 15 years.
Colver and Witt were convicted of murder on June 15, 2011 in the 2009 killing of Joanne at her home in El Dorado Hills.
The hearing started at 2 a.m. and was attended by several family members of the two. Before the sentence was announced, the judge gave family members the chance to speak. Joanne's brother, Michael Witt, said he hopes prison bestows the worst possible experience for Colver. His statements brought Colver's mother to tears.
When the sentence was read Colver sat expressionless and was led out of the courtroom.
Joanne's father also made a statement to Colver. He spoke to Tylar as well calling her a murderer who made terrible decisions that she has to pay for. He said he hopes she pursues college classes and someday contributes to society.
Tylar took the stand and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, which was the sentence offered for testifying against Colver. Because Tylar was 14 at the time of the killing, her attorney requested she be sent to California Youth Authority, but the judge denied the request.
Prosecutors say Colver stabbed Joanne Witt because he was afraid he'd go to jail after she reported him for statutory rape over his relationship with her then-14-year-old daughter.
After the murder, the pair fled to San Francisco and, in journals, compared themselves in journals to Romeo and Juliet, even trying to kill themselves with rat poison.
Witt testified against Colver.
