45-Year Sentence Handed Down After Rock-Throwing Death

The tragic case of Alexa Bartell, who lost her life due to a fatal rock-throwing incident, has led to a 45-year prison sentence for 20-year-old Nicholas Karol-Chik.

Key Insights

Nicholas Karol-Chik received a 45-year sentence for second-degree murder this week.
He pleaded guilty to his involvement in the rock-throwing death of 20-year-old Bartell on April 19, 2023.
A plea deal required Karol-Chik to testify against his co-defendant, Joseph Koenig, who was ultimately convicted on a first-degree murder charge.
The victim’s family delivered emotional impact statements during sentencing.

Sentencing of Nicholas Karol-Chik

Nicholas Karol-Chik was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the tragic death of Alexa Bartell. Bartell died on April 19, 2023, when Karol-Chik and his companions were throwing rocks at passing cars. The rock that struck Bartell’s vehicle penetrated her windshield, resulting in fatal injuries. At a recent court hearing, Karol-Chik expressed remorse, stating his regret and asking for forgiveness from the Bartell family.

As part of his plea deal, Karol-Chik accepted responsibility for second-degree murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, and a crime of violence. The plea deal also required him to testify against his co-defendant, Joseph Koenig, who faced first-degree murder charges. Koenig was eventually convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

At 18, He Killed a Woman by Hurling Rocks at Car, Then Took a Pic of Wreck as She Lay Dying. He Will Now Serve 45 Years in Prison
Source: People

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Emotional Courtroom Appeals

The courtroom witnessed emotional appeals from Alexa Bartell’s family, who requested the maximum sentence for Karol-Chik. Despite their request for a 72-year sentence, the plea deal accepted by Karol-Chik led to a concurrent 45-year and 24-year sentence for murder and attempted murder, respectively.

“Each morning I wake up and relive the same nightmare. I find it difficult to feel joy without being consumed by guilt as if any happiness I experience is a betrayal,” Bartell’s mother Kelly told the court.

Karol-Chik also addressed the court ahead of sentencing, expressing remorse and saying, “Everyday I wish I could turn back time and change everything that happened. My desire to impress people I thought of as friends caused this tragedy. I want to stand here and take accountability — all I can do is ask for forgiveness — the pain I have caused is unexplainable.”

Karol-Chik’s mother advocated for leniency, saying her son had a gentle nature, despite the tragic actions leading to Bartell’s death. Family impact statements from Bartell’s loved ones conveyed their profound grief and desire for accountability. Bartell’s cousin articulated the gravity of the incident, stating, “What happened to Alexa wasn’t a prank—it was a reckless and deliberate act.”

Legal Outcome and Reflections

Deputy District Attorney Brynn Chase highlighted the seriousness of the offense, underscoring that a significant sentence was appropriate given the crime’s gravity. Karol-Chik admitted to supplying the rock used in the fatal act and confirmed he and his friends photographed the scene instead of aiding Bartell.

Zachary Kwak, another participant, accepted a plea agreement and was convicted of multiple assault charges. The legal proceedings against the trio aimed to address the senseless loss of Alexa Bartell. The sentencing offers a degree of closure, though the impact on her family endures, serving as a tragic reminder of reckless actions’ devastating consequences.