In a tragic incident that shocked the community, one of the three teenagers involved in a deadly rock-throwing spree last year has pleaded guilty to multiple charges. Zachary Kwak, now 19 years old, entered a plea deal on Friday, admitting to his involvement in the attack that claimed the life of 20-year-old driver Alexa Bartell.

The incident occurred on the night of April 19, 2023, when seven vehicles were struck by large landscaping rocks. Three people suffered injuries, while Alexa Bartell tragically lost her life. Kwak, along with two other then-18-year-old seniors, faced 13 counts, including first-degree murder with extreme indifference.

As part of the plea deal, Kwak pleaded guilty to charges of first- and second-degree assault, as well as criminal attempt to commit assault in the second degree. In exchange, his original charges were dismissed. The Colorado First Judicial District Attorney's Office, which is handling the case, stated that Kwak "acted knowingly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life" in relation to Bartell's death.

The specifics of the plea deal remain undisclosed, and Kwak's attorneys chose not to provide any comments on the matter. However, the district attorney's office mentioned that as a result of his cooperation and guilty plea, Kwak faces a prison sentence ranging from 20 to 32 years. His sentencing is scheduled for September 3, pending resolution of the cases involving the two other teens implicated in the rock-throwing spree, Joseph Koenig and Nicholas "Mitch" Karol-Chik.

It is important to note that first-degree murder with extreme indifference carries a mandatory life sentence in prison if convicted. As such, Koenig and Karol-Chik, who are being tried separately, have both pleaded not guilty to their charges. Karol-Chik allegedly admitted to police that all three teens participated in throwing rocks at passing cars and expressed excitement when they hit them, according to court documents.

During questioning, Kwak reportedly mentioned that he took a photo of Bartell's car, thinking that Koenig or Karol-Chik might want it as a memento. Following Bartell's tragic death, Kwak claimed that Koenig and Karol-Chik discussed becoming "blood brothers" and pledged never to speak of the incident again, according to court documents.

The community awaits the upcoming trials of Karol-Chik, scheduled to begin on June 7, and Koenig, set to commence on July 19. Meanwhile, they mourn the loss of Alexa Bartell and hope for justice to be served in this profoundly distressing case.