GOLDEN, Colo. — A Jefferson County judge has sentenced Nicholas “Mitch” Karol-Chik to a total of 45 years in prison following his involvement in a tragic rock-throwing spree that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Alexa Bartell. The ruling, handed down Thursday by District Judge Christopher Zenisek, comes after Karol-Chik was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
On April 19, 2023, Karol-Chik, then 18, and two friends threw large rocks at passing vehicles, culminating in the fatal incident where a 9.3-pound rock struck Bartell’s vehicle as she drove near Indiana Street. The projectile shattered her windshield and caused fatal injuries when it hit her in the head.
In court, Karol-Chik expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the irreversible damage caused by his actions. “The reality is nothing will erase the pain I have caused,” he said. “I am truly sorry.”
Karol-Chik pleaded guilty nearly a year prior to the sentencing, and his court appearance was delayed so that he could testify in the trial of another participant, Joseph Koenig, who was convicted of first-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing. A third accomplice, Zachary Kwak, pleaded guilty to lesser charges and is scheduled for sentencing, facing a potential 20 to 32 years behind bars.
The Bartell family spoke poignantly about the profound loss they have endured. They described Alexa as a vibrant young woman with dreams for her future, recalling her warmth and the joy she brought to their lives. In a heart-wrenching statement, her mother, Kelly, lamented, “I will never again hold my daughter in my arms or watch her turn 21, fall in love, or become a mother.”
Defense attorneys appealed for leniency, asking for the minimum sentence of 35 years. Karol-Chik’s father emphasized his son’s character, describing him as a loving individual who is not defined by his worst day. His mother also pleaded for mercy, asserting that her son did not intend to harm anyone.
Bartell’s family, however, argued for the maximum 72-year sentence, citing ongoing trauma and emotional pain that haunts their daily lives. “My heart is completely shattered,” Greg Bartell, Alexa’s father, said, referring to the loss that continues to affect family dynamics significantly.
Throughout the proceedings, Karol-Chik reflected on the poor choices that led to the tragedy, suggesting that a desire for acceptance influenced his actions that night. “It took someone losing their life for me to really think about the consequences,” he remarked, illustrating a painful awareness of the gravity of his actions.
As the court proceedings concluded, the Bartell family continued to seek justice and healing, grappling with the void left by Alexa’s untimely death while holding on to their memories of her vibrant spirit. The community remains stunned by the incident, a grim reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior.