19-year-old Zachary Kwak pleaded guilty to charges related to a rock-throwing spree that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old woman in Colorado. Kwak, along with his friends Nicholas Karol-Chik and Joseph Koenig, were involved in a series of incidents in April 2023, where they threw rocks and other objects at passing vehicles in suburban Denver. Kwak’s guilty plea included counts of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and criminal attempt to commit assault. As part of the plea bargain, his previous charges of murder were dropped, and he faces a sentence of 20 to 32 years behind bars.
The fatal incident occurred on the night of April 19 when Alexa Bartell was driving home from work and was struck by a large landscaping rock thrown by Kwak or Koenig. Bartell was killed instantly, and her body was found in her car in a field. The trio of teenagers returned to the scene later that night, taking pictures of the destroyed vehicle. In addition to Bartell’s death, the three individuals were also charged with attacking five other vehicles, resulting in minor injuries to the drivers. Karol-Chik admitted to starting the rock-throwing spree in February, with Kwak allegedly throwing the rock that hit Bartell’s car while Koenig was driving. Kwak insisted that Koenig was responsible for the fatal throw.
Mark Edwin Koenig, Joseph’s father, was also arrested for allegedly interfering with the police investigation by preventing them from interviewing his son after the incident. Kwak’s sentencing is scheduled for September 3, following the trials of Karol-Chik and Koenig. Karol-Chik is set for a jury trial on June 7, while Koenig will appear for a trial on July 19. The guilty plea from Kwak marks the unfolding of legal proceedings following the tragic death of Alexa Bartell, shedding light on the reckless actions of the three teenagers involved in the rock-throwing spree. The plea bargain allows for a reduced sentence for Kwak, acknowledging his participation in the assault but dropping the murder charges in exchange for his admission of guilt in the assault-related charges.
The community has been shocked by the senseless and tragic death of Bartell, highlighting the dangers of reckless and irresponsible behavior. The series of events leading to Bartell’s death serve as a reminder of the consequences of thoughtless actions, affecting not only the victim but also their families and the community at large. Kwak’s guilty plea and the upcoming trials of Karol-Chik and Koenig bring a sense of accountability to the individuals involved, although nothing can undo the devastating impact of their actions. As the legal process continues, the families and friends of those affected by Bartell’s death seek justice and closure, hoping that such incidents will not be repeated in the future. The tragic outcome of the rock-throwing spree serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for responsible and mindful behavior to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
