Alexa Bartell: Memorial fund launched to support family of Colorado woman killed by rock thrown at her car
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO: A memorial fund was recently launched to support the family of 20-year-old Alexa Bartell who died last week after being struck by a rock thrown towards her car while she drove home. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued an official statement announcing the launch of the memorial fund and ways to donate. “Alexa’s family has been asked how others can help with future expenditures resulting from this tragedy. In lieu of flowers, a memorial/justice fund has now been set up in Alexa’s name. This fund is open to accepting donations from the public,” the release said.
“All proceeds will go directly to assist the family with future legal expenses, create an endowment fund for student athlete opportunities, and creating a permanent memorial in Alexa’s honor,” it added. Donations can be made directly to the Alexa Bartell Memorial Fund at FirstBank, via Zelle @/alexabartellmemorial@gmail.com or via Venmo @Alexa-Bartell, according to 9News.
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The death of Alexa Bartell: 3 teens arrested after woman killed by rock thrown into her car
‘Our worlds changed forever’
Bartell was driving on Indiana Street near the Rocky Mountain Arsenal around 10:45 pm on April 19 when a rock was thrown towards her car from a truck going in the opposite direction. The rock reportedly smashed through the car’s windshield and gave Bartell fatal injuries.
“Our worlds were changed forever,” Bartell’s family wrote in a short statement through the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. “Our beautiful Alexa was driving in Arvada, Colorado, and was struck by a large rock thrown through the windshield of her car, tragically taking her life. This was not an accident, but instead – an intentional act of violence and malice by 3 strangers,” the statement added.
Bartell’s family described her as an amazing daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, as per 9News. They also said she was an intelligent girl who had a bright future ahead of her. Three teenagers suspected to be involved in the attack were arrested this week.
What are the charges against the three suspects?
Three teenagers who caused Bartell’s death were identified as Joseph Koenig, Nicholas ‘Mitch’ Karol-Chik, and Zachary Kwak, all of whom are 18 years old. Following the incident, the teens reportedly returned to the scene to capture a photo of Bartell’s vehicle as a form of “memento,” the Daily Mail reported.
On Thursday, April 27, all three suspects were charged with first-degree murder with extreme indifference, which highlighted their intent to kill regardless of the victim’s identity. The suspects were reportedly held without bond and are scheduled to return to court on May 3. “This was an extremely reckless and irresponsible situation that the defendant was involved in that, unfortunately, cost the life of a very innocent and very young woman in this case,” prosecutor Padraic Emerine said in a statement.