The Crime and the Trial

• Koenig faced charges related to Bartell’s death and a series of rock-throwing incidents that spanned several weeks.
• The incidents culminated on April 19, 2023, when a rock thrown from Koenig’s car struck Bartell’s vehicle. [[1]]
• The prosecution successfully argued that Koenig acted with extreme indifference,leading to the first-degree murder conviction.

The Verdict and Potential sentencing

• in addition to first-degree murder, the jury convicted Koenig on six counts of attempted first-degree murder and attempted assault.
• First-degree murder in Colorado carries a mandatory life sentence.
• Koenig’s formal sentencing is scheduled for June 3.

Co-Defendants and Their Involvement

koenig was not alone in these crimes.Nicholas “Mitch” Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak were also involved. All three were 18 years old at the time of the incidents.

• Karol-Chik pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He faces a sentence between 35 and 72 years in prison.
• Kwak pleaded guilty to assault and attempted assault, with a potential sentence of 20 to 32 years.
• Both Karol-Chik and Kwak testified during Koenig’s trial after accepting plea deals.

Prosecution’s Argument: frequent, Focused, Fatal

Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Katharine Decker emphasized three key aspects during her closing argument:

• Frequent: The defendant’s attacks were frequent, over and over and over …
• Focused: The targets were focused, and all were on the driver’s side.
• Fatal: Highlighting the deadly consequences of their actions.

Decker recounted how Koenig and his accomplices engaged in repeated rock-throwing sprees, honing their aim over several weeks.

You have the pictures of what that rock did to her.

Jefferson County chief Deputy District Attorney Katharine Decker

Decker argued that Koenig’s actions demonstrated he was damn well aware that hurling rocks from a moving vehicle posed a grave risk of causing death.

Defense’s Counter-Argument: Lack of Intent

defense attorney Martin Stuart contended that Koenig should not be convicted of first-degree murder because he did not believe his actions would cause harm.

What was going on in his head — what was his mental state? that’s what this case is about.

Defense Attorney Martin Stuart

Stuart described the night of Bartell’s death as a series of escalating rock attacks, fueled by peer pressure, arguing that the group did not realize anyone had been injured until Bartell’s car crashed.

It never entered their minds that they were going to hurt let alone kill anybody.

Defense Attorney Martin Stuart

The defense further claimed that Koenig suffered from borderline personality disorder, affecting his impulse control and judgment. Stuart urged the jury to consider a lesser charge of manslaughter, which carries a lighter sentence.

What Joe Koenig and those other two kids did were crimes. We’re asking you to find him guilty of what he did.

Defense Attorney Martin Stuart

The Fatal Night

On the night of April 19,2023,Koenig was driving the vehicle. He allegedly grabbed a 9-pound rock from the dashboard, accelerated to at least 80 mph, and threw the rock into Bartell’s windshield. [[1]]

The impact caused Bartell’s car to veer off the road, crash through a fence, and come to a stop down an embankment. According to prosecutors, Koenig then whooped in excitement and checked on the crashed car, demonstrating his awareness of the potential consequences.

FAQ: The Alexa Bartell Case

Who was killed in the rock-throwing incident?

Alexa Bartell, a 20-year-old woman, was killed when a rock struck her car.

Who was convicted of her murder?

Joseph Koenig was convicted of first-degree murder.

What were the other charges against Joseph Koenig?

Koenig was also convicted on six counts of attempted first-degree murder and attempted assault.

What sentences do the other defendants face?

Nicholas “Mitch” Karol-chik faces 35 to 72 years, and Zachary Kwak faces 20 to 32 years.