A man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the case of a rock throwing incident that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Alexa Bartell while she was driving in Jefferson County. The defendant, Joseph Koenig, was convicted on multiple charges related to rock-throwing incidents targeting motorists. Koenig will be sentenced in June 2025, and Bartell’s family expressed mixed emotions after the verdict was read, honoring their daughter’s life in the midst of seeking justice.
The incident occurred in April 2023 when Koenig threw a rock that crashed through Bartell’s windshield, leading to her death. Two of Koenig’s co-defendants took plea deals, while Koenig maintained his not guilty plea throughout the trial. The prosecution argued that Koenig had been driving and throwing rocks at oncoming cars, while the defense disputed his involvement and urged the jury to consider manslaughter instead of a murder charge.
Witnesses, including the co-defendants, testified about the events leading to Bartell’s death, with conflicting information presented during the trial. The jury deliberated for less than 24 hours before reaching a guilty verdict on all charges against Koenig. Bartell’s family, marking two years since her death, remembered her as a joyful and compassionate person, spreading seeds for wildflowers to honor her memory. Despite the tragedy, they focus on celebrating Bartell’s life and the impact she had on those around her.
