Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Role in Fatal Rock-Throwing Incident
Nicholas Karol-Chik, one of three teens involved in the deadly 2023 rock-throwing spree that killed 20-year-old Alexa Bartell, has been sentenced to 45 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. The sentencing, handed down Thursday morning, follows Karol-Chik’s 2024 guilty plea to second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and crime of violence. The judge noted the sentence falls within the 35-to-72-year range agreed upon in his plea deal, and Karol-Chik will receive credit for over 700 days already served.
The fatal incident occurred on April 19, 2023, when Karol-Chik and two other high school students hurled large landscaping rocks at passing vehicles in Jefferson County. Bartell, who was struck in the head when a rock smashed through her windshield, died at the scene. Karol-Chik was riding in the front passenger seat when the deadly rock was thrown and later testified against the driver, Joseph Koenig, who was convicted of first-degree murder and 18 other charges by a jury in April.
The third teen, Zachary Kwak, also pleaded guilty in May to assault-related charges and is expected to be sentenced to 20–32 years. During Karol-Chik’s sentencing, Bartell’s family gave emotional statements, describing Alexa as joyful and compassionate, and condemning the teens’ actions as reckless and intentional. “Nothing is the same anymore,” said one of Bartell’s cousins. “Our family isn’t the same anymore.”
Karol-Chik’s parents also addressed the court, expressing sorrow for the Bartell family’s pain and stating they will support their son through the consequences of his actions.
