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3d ago

Colorado Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Role in Fatal Rock-Throwing Spree

Nicholas Karol-Chik received the sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and testifying against co-defendant Joseph Koenig, who faces a mandatory life sentence.

Nicholas “Mitch” Karol-Chik listens to First Judicial District Court Judge Christopher Zenisek as Karol-Chik is formally charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault and attempted assault, in Jefferson County court on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Zachary Kwak listens to district court judge Christopher C. Zenisek during an arraignment in Jefferson County District Court on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Kwak along with Joseph Koenig and Nicholas "Mitch" Karol-Chik are accused of throwing landscaping rocks at oncoming cars, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Alexa Bartell. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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Overview

  • Nicholas Karol-Chik, 20, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for his role in the 2023 rock-throwing spree that killed 20-year-old Alexa Bartell.
  • Karol-Chik pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder as part of a plea deal requiring him to testify against Joseph Koenig, who threw the fatal rock.
  • Bartell was killed instantly when a 9.3-pound rock struck her in the head after being hurled through her windshield near the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Karol-Chik expressed remorse in court, stating his actions stemmed from a desire to impress his peers, while Bartell’s family urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence.
  • Co-defendant Zachary Kwak, who also testified against Koenig, is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday and faces 20 to 32 years in prison.