In a tragic incident in Golden, Colorado, Joseph Koenig, a 20-year-old, was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Alexa Bartell, a 20-year-old woman killed when a rock crashed through her car windshield on April 19, 2023. Koenig’s conviction stemmed from a night when he and two other teens, Zachary Kwak and Nicholas Karol-Chik, threw rocks at vehicles. After accepting plea deals, both Kwak and Karol-Chik testified against Koenig, claiming he threw the fatal rock.
Bartell’s family expressed heartbreak over the situation, with her mother, Kelly Bartell, acknowledging the loss of her daughter while also feeling sympathy for the young men involved. The prosecution focused on the definitive link between Koenig and the act, as forensics found only Bartell’s DNA on the rock. Testimonies revealed that Koenig was driving and used a shotput-style motion to throw the rock. His defense argued he was unaware of the impact of their actions, attributing his behavior to borderline personality disorder.
The trial featured contradicting accounts from the co-defendants, with Karol-Chik stating Koenig appeared “excited” after the incident, while Kwak maintained he did not throw any rocks. Following a two-week trial, Koenig was also convicted of attempted murder and related offenses. As part of their plea agreements, Kwak and Karol-Chik face significant prison sentences. Koenig is scheduled for sentencing on June 3 and could receive a life sentence.
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