In a tragic incident that occurred on the night of April 19, 2023, a second teenager has pleaded guilty in connection with a rock-throwing spree near Denver that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Alexa Bartell. Joseph Koenig, Nicholas "Mitch" Karol-Chik, and Zachary Kwak allegedly threw large landscaping rocks at cars, hitting seven vehicles and causing injuries to three individuals.

On Wednesday, Karol-Chik entered his guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder, criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, and crime of violence. As a result, the original 15 counts filed against him were dismissed, according to prosecutors from the Colorado First Judicial District Attorney's Office.

During the incident, Karol-Chik was seated in the front passenger's seat and handed a rock to Koenig, who then threw it at Bartell's car. Tragically, Bartell was fatally struck by the large rock, leading to her untimely death.

At the time of the incident, all three individuals involved were 18-year-old high school seniors. They were arrested approximately one week after the incident on charges that included first-degree murder with extreme indifference.

Karol-Chik now faces a prison sentence ranging from 35 to 72 years, with his sentencing scheduled for September 10. Alongside this incident, Karol-Chik and Koenig were also allegedly involved in throwing objects at drivers on February 25, 2023. Additionally, on April 1, 2023, Karol-Chik was driving while Koenig allegedly threw a statue head at another driver, as per prosecutors.

In a separate development, Kwak has recently pleaded guilty to charges of first- and second-degree assault, as well as criminal attempt to commit assault in the second degree. Kwak's original charges were dismissed following his plea. The district attorney's office has stated that Kwak faces a prison term of 20 to 32 years, with his sentencing set for September 3.

These guilty pleas mark a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence. Both Karol-Chik and Kwak are now awaiting their respective sentencing hearings, where their punishments will be determined and justice served.