One of Three Charged in Alexa Bartell’s Death Cooperates with Prosecution
Alexa Bartell was struck by a rock thrown from a truck in April 2023.
One of three teenagers charged in the death of a 20-year-old woman struck by a rock thrown from a moving vehicle has pleaded guilty to lesser charges in exchange for his cooperation with prosecutors.
Zachary Kwak Admits Role in Rock-Throwing Incidents
Zachary Kwak, 19, pleaded guilty on Friday to first-degree assault in the death of Alexa Bartell on April 19, 2023. He also admitted to second-degree assault and attempted second-degree assault for rocks thrown from the truck earlier that night, injuring three others.
In exchange for his pleas, prosecutors dropped more serious charges, including first-degree murder. Kwak faces 20 to 32 years in prison but will not be sentenced until September.
Two Others Still Face Murder Charges
Nicholas “Mitch” Karol-Chik and Joseph Koenig, the other two teenagers involved, have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Prosecutors allege they were all in Karol-Chik’s truck when Bartell was struck.
Investigation Points to Landscaping Rocks from Walmart
Authorities believe the teens obtained the rocks used in the attacks from a local Walmart before driving around that night. Bartell’s friend, noticing the call go silent, used a phone app to locate her car, which had crashed in a field after she was hit.
Attorneys for Remaining Defendants Decline Comment
Attorneys for Karol-Chik and Koenig declined to comment on the plea deal or the charges against their clients. Kwak’s cooperation may provide key testimony in the upcoming trials for the remaining defendants.
