3 Teens Killed Woman by Hurling Large Rock at Car, Then Snapped ‘Memento’ Photo. Now They’re All Convicted

Three Teens Convicted of Killing Woman by Hurling Large Rock at Car

In a tragic incident that shook the community, a Colorado man, Joseph Koenig, was recently convicted of first-degree murder-extreme indifference in the death of 20-year-old Alexa Bartell. The horrific event took place when a large rock crashed through Bartell’s car window while she was driving, leading to her untimely death. Apart from the murder charge, Koenig was also found guilty of various other counts, including criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder and assault in the second degree for other rock throwing attacks.

The jury’s verdict was met with a mix of emotions, with Jefferson County District Attorney Alexis King expressing that despite the conviction, the tragic events did not have to unfold in the first place. Alexa’s mother, Kelly Bartell, also shared her turmoil, stating that the verdict couldn’t fill the void left by her daughter’s lost potential, as well as the impact on the lives of three other individuals involved in the incident. Koenig’s friends, Zachary Kwak and Nicholas “Mitch” Karol-Chik, had pleaded guilty to their roles in the attack in the previous year.

The horrendous act occurred when the three friends were throwing rocks at passing vehicles late at night, with one of the rocks – a massive nine-pound landscaping rock – tragically hitting Bartell’s car. The young woman was on a call with a friend while driving when the fatal blow occurred. Emergency responders found Bartell with a severe head wound and no pulse at the scene. Subsequently, Koenig, Kwak, and Karol-Chik allegedly took a ‘memento’ photo of the crime scene after the attack, showcasing a disturbing lack of remorse or empathy.

During the trial proceedings, it was revealed that after the fatal rock was thrown, Koenig displayed excitement and joy, even going as far as taking photos of the scene for remembrance. The callous behaviour extended further as the trio coordinated their stories the following day and made a pact to keep silent about the incident, solidifying their bond as “blood brothers.” Koenig is now facing a potential life sentence for the first-degree murder charge, alongside additional penalties for the other offences.

As the community grapples with the senseless loss of a young life, the trial serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of irresponsible and malicious actions. The haunting details of the incident shed light on the need for accountability and justice in the face of such tragedies. The sentencing of Koenig, Kwak, and Karol-Chik will undoubtedly bring some form of closure to the affected families and friends, but the scars of this senseless act will forever remain in the hearts of those touched by Alexa Bartell’s untimely passing.