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Rewritten Article:
Trigger warning: This article discusses a tragic case of murder.
Justice served: Decade-long sentence for rock-thrower who caused fatal accident
In a swift, blunt verdict, a Jefferson County judge handed down a 45-year sentence to one of the three juveniles involved in the deadly rock-throwing spree of April 2023, which left an innocent life in shambles.
Nicholas "Mitch" Karol-Chik, 20, now faces 45 years behind bars, following his conviction on charges of second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. With the option of a harsher sentence between 35 and 72 years on the table, Judge Christopher Zenisek decided on the midway mark.
Two years ago, Karol-Chik and his two companions, aged just 18, embarked on a reckless, randomly targeted assault, hurling stones at passing vehicles. Their actions led to the demise of 20-year-old Alexa Bartell, whose car was hit by a 9.3-pound rock, striking her in the head.
In court, Karol-Chik expressed genuine remorse, acknowledging the irreversible suffering he had caused. "I cannot fix what I've done," he said. "I cannot bring Alexa back. All I can do is apologize."
Karol-Chik confessed to his guilt nearly a year ago and was set to be sentenced last year. However, his sentencing was postponed to allow him to testify during the trial of co-defendant Joseph Koenig, who was convicted of first-degree murder on May 1, 2025, and awaits sentencing in June.
The third assailant, Zachary Kwak, also awaits sentencing, facing potential imprisonment of between 20 and 32 years for charges of assault and attempted assault.
The Bartell family paid heart-wrenching tribute to their departed loved one, remembering her as a kind, intelligent, and vivacious spirit with dreams bigger than the stars. Alexa was known for her immaculate car, extraordinary singing voice, and love for soaking up sun on serene beaches.
Speaking on behalf of the devastated family, Alexa's mother, Kelly, described the unbearable emptiness haunting their lives since the horrific tragedy. "The pain of losing my daughter will never subside," she said. "I miss holding her, hearing her laughter, and witnessing her dreams come to fruition."
Karol-Chik conceded that his misguided pursuit of acceptance and camaraderge had clouded his judgment during the ill-fated rock-throwing escapade. "It took someone's life for me to fully understand the consequences," he admitted. "But that is not the man I want to be."
The Bartell family called for the maximum sentence of 72 years to be imposed on Karol-Chik, detailing the recurring nightmares, panic attacks, family gatherings marred by grief, and moments of happiness tainted by guilt that plague their lives.
Karol-Chik's defense team sought a more lenient sentence of 35 years in line with the plea agreement. They portrayed him as a diligent worker with an irresistible giggle and rock-solid family support. They emphasized that his identity should not be reduced to a single tragic mistake.
Karol-Chik's mother, Kristie, implored the judge for mercy, insisting that her son did not intentionally intend harm. "Do not discard my son," she pleaded. "Do not waste his life. Do not make him a forgotten soul. I know there's good in his heart."
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- The court sentenced Nicholas "Mitch" Karol-Chik, a 20-year-old involved in a fatal car-accident caused by rock-throwing in April 2023, to 45 years in prison for second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
- Tensions in the general news and crime-and-justice sectors have risen after the family of Alexa Bartell, who was killed in the rock-throwing incident, expressed their disappointment with Karol-Chik's sentencing, demanding the maximum 72-year sentence.
- As the three juveniles involved in the tragic event have been sentenced, the focus now shifts towards the sentencing of Zachary Kwak, who is facing potential imprisonment for 20 to 32 years for charges of assault and attempted assault.
- Echoing the sentiments of the Bartell family, Karol-Chik apologized for the irreversible suffering he caused but ultimately acknowledged that he cannot bring Alexa back.
- In the trial of his co-defendant, Joseph Koenig, who was convicted of first-degree murder and awaits sentencing, Karol-Chik initially confessed to his guilt nearly a year ago, but his sentencing was postponed.
- Politics and political debates have emerged around the pulse of the case, with some pushing for harsher sentencing policies while others argue for leniency and the rehabilitation of young offenders.
