Three Teens in Colorado Arrested in Connection with Death of Woman Struck by Rock While Driving Home, Cops Say

Three Colorado teens have been arrested after a string of rock-throwing incidents in Jefferson and Boulder Counties, including one that killed a 20-year-old driver, according to authorities.

As Front Page Detectives previously reported, Alexa Bartell was driving home from work and talking on the phone with a friend around 10:45 p.m. on April 26. Her phone suddenly went dead, but her friend was able to track it, locating her vehicle in a field. Bartell died from blunt-force injuries.

On April 26, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of Joseph Koenig, Nicholas “Mitch” Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak in connection with Bartell's death. All three are 18 years old and from Bartell's hometown, Arvada.

Each teen was charged with first-degree murder and extreme indifference, officials said. Deputies said more charges are expected.

The sheriff’s office said the “suspect vehicle is a black 2016 Chevy Silverado,” but it is unclear which “suspect(s) were driving throughout the spree.”

Investigators noted at least seven rock-throwing incidents were reported for that same night. Officers described the objects thrown as “large landscaping rocks.”

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Drivers suffered minor injuries in two of the incidents, all of which occurred between 10 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., KMGH reported.

Bartell’s vehicle was the last one known to have been struck, officials said.