(WND)—According to defense lawyers for three boys arrested for throwing rocks at vehicles, they were “seniors in high school with nothing else to do,” and they really didn’t mean to hurt anyone.
The result was that a teen girl died when she was hit by a rock one boy threw, and he now has been sentenced, under state guidelines, to life in prison without parole, plus 60 years, according to a report from Denver television channel 7.
It was Alexa Bartell, 20, who died in the deadly rock-throwing attack that happened on a rural road in a small area between Denver and Boulder, Colorado, in 2023.
Arrested were Joseph Koenig, now 20, Zachary Kwak and Nicholas Karol-Chik. All were 18 at the time of the attack.
All initially faced first-degree murder, attempted murder, second-degree assault and attempted second-degree assault charges for the landscaping rock that was chucked through her car windshield as she drove in Jefferson County.
Third defendant sentenced to life without parole in Colorado prison in deadly rock-throwing case https://t.co/0xyPSwIxPk
— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) June 3, 2025
Kwak and Karol-Chik reached plea agreements, with Karol-Chik getting 45 years in the Department of Corrections to be followed by eight years of parole for second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder, and Kwak getting 27 years for first-degree assault, in addition to five years for second-degree assault and a concurrent eight years for attempted second-degree assault.
They told the court Koenig was the one who threw to rock that caused Bartell’s car to crash.
“Attorneys for the three men argued that they were seniors in high school with nothing else to do and did not intend to harm anyone,” the report explained.
Koenig’s term was required by Colorado law for defendants convicted of first-degree murder.
He also faced 18 other counts, and was handed 60 years in the Department of Corrections to be served consecutively to his life sentence.
In victim statements delivered at the sentencing, the girl’s father said her dreams and goals had “all been stolen.” He said a death sentence was appropriate.
Her family and friends urged the judge to impose a maximum sentence.
“A part of me died with her that day,” explained a friend of the victim.
She had tracked Alexa and arrived at the crash scene.
“I replay opening the car door to… I beg God to get that vision out of my head,” she said.
The judge noted the horror of the situation, in that one of the paramedics to arrive on the scene “had to medically retire after the incident.”
Other statements described how friends and family members now struggle to drive down two-lane roads and encounter oncoming traffic.
“I try to position myself behind the frame of my car when passing,” a cousin said.
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How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
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Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
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