Teen convicted of first-degree murder for fatal rock-throwing incident

In 2023, in suburban Denver, Colorado, three teenagers were involved in a tragic incident where they engaged in throwing rocks at passing cars. This reckless activity led to the death of 20-year-old Alexa Bartell when one of the rocks struck her car. Following an investigation, the First Judicial District Court charged one of the teenagers, 18-year-old Zachary Koenig, with murder, while his two friends Nicholas Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak faced similar charges based on their involvement in throwing rocks that night. Prosecutors classified the actions as murder rather than mere vandalism, emphasizing the intention behind their dangerous spree of rock-throwing, which ultimately resulted in a fatality. The prosecution's case hinged greatly on witness testimonies that indicated Koenig threw the fatal rock, while the defense attempted to argue he was not responsible for Bartell’s death, citing that another teen, Kwak, had thrown the lethal rock instead. During the trial, witnesses testified that Koenig displayed excitement as they passed Bartell's vehicle, and one witness described an instance where Koenig celebrated. Ultimately, the jury convicted Koenig of first-degree murder and he faces significant sentencing. This case has generated public outrage about the reckless behavior of youths and the severe consequences such actions can have on innocent victims.