Accused murderer's family taking sides?

Placerville — The grandparents of a local teen accused of killing her mother were in an El Dorado County Superior courtroom Friday, but not necessarily to show family support.Norb and Judi Witt, who reportedly have an estate in the Folsom Lake area, sat in the audience behind the prosecutor during the brief court appearance.The Witts were seen leaving with prosecutor Lizette Suder and in a previous court appearance, when it was determined that Tylar Witt would be tried as an adult, the couple shook hands with the prosecutorTylar Witt, 15, and her alleged accomplice Steven Colver, 19, made a brief court appearance Friday for what was to be a hearing to decide whether or not the two will be tried together or have separate trials. The hearing was postponed to allow for further motions to be filed.The pair is accused of killing Witt's 47-year old mother Joanne Witt around June 11 in her El Dorado Hills home. They are both charged with first-degree murder and two special circumstances — lying in wait and killing a witness. Colver is additionally charged with the special allegation that he was armed with a knife.Witt has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the charges.Steven Colver, 19, pled not guilty to the allegations and denied all special circumstances. If Witt is found guilty she faces 25-years-to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Suder said that because of Witt's age she is ineligible for the death penalty. Defense attorneys will be filing motions to have their clients tried separately. The prosecution is expected to fight that motion. Colver is believed to have stabbed Witt to death after Tylar Witt allegedly spiked her mother's drink with a prescription medication. The eldest Witt's body was discovered June 15 at her Tattinger Court home. Colver had reportedly been living with the Witts for a few months when Tylar's mother discovered an alleged "inappropriate relationship" between her underage daughter and the adult Colver. Penne Usher can be reached at penne.usher@gmail.com.