Trial delayed for third suspect in deadly rock-throwing case

DENVER ( KDVR ) — The trial for Joseph Koenig has been delayed. He is one of three people arrested in 2023 in connection to the rock-throwing crime spree that killed a 20-year-old woman.

According to the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, on Tuesday, the judge granted a motion allowing Koenig to undergo a mental health evaluation.

At this time, it’s unknown when the trial will reconvene. Koenig will go to the state hospital for evaluation, and once the results of the evaluation are released, the trial can continue.

20-year-old killed while driving in Jefferson County

Alexa Bartell was driving northbound near the 10600 block of Indiana Street in April 2023 and talking on the phone with a friend – until her phone went silent.

Her friend tracked her phone and found Bartell’s car off the road and in a field with its windshield smashed.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said a large rock was thrown and it hit and killed Bartell.

This was not the first instance of rocks being thrown at cars that night. A total of five incidents with minor injuries were reported.

2 other suspects enter pleas

Following the deadly crime spree, Koenig, Nicholas Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak, all 18 years old at the time, were arrested .

Karol-Chik and Kwak have already pleaded guilty.

Kwak pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree assault, one count of second-degree assault and an added count of criminal attempt to commit assault. As part of his plea deal , he will serve no less than 20 years but no more than 32 years.

Karol-Chik pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, criminal attempt to commit murder in the first degree and crime of violence. His sentencing is set for Sept. 10.

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