Three teenagers charged with murder after throwing rocks at cars that left one driver dead

Three teenagers have been arrested and accused of throwing rocks that led to the death of a woman.

Alexa Bartell, 20, was killed in Westminster, Colorado, on April 19 after a rock smashed through her windscreen.

Ms Bartlell’s car was the last of several vehicles that had been ‘struck by large landscaping rocks in a spree’ that started shortly after 10pm.

Police have said it was the rock that killed Ms Bartell, not any subsequent crash.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley said: "The rock came through Alexa Bartell's windshield, striking and killing her.

"The rocks that we have described in this crime series are all about 4 to 6 inches in size and about 3 to 5 pounds apiece. They're large boulder landscaping rocks."

High school seniors Joseph Koenig, Nicholas Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak were arrested earlier this week, with two arrests taking place on Tuesday (April 25) evening and the other in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The three men are now facing charges of first-degree murder, with extreme indifference, in relation to the rock throwing spree Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office have said in a statement.

The statement went on to say that ‘additional charges are expected to be filed and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office’.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said that tips from members of the public and cellphone data had helped to identify the suspects.

“Ultimately, mobile device forensics and supporting information from the public helped lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects,” the statement added.

“Investigators were glad to be able to notify Alexa’s family and the other victims of these arrests. This week’s recognition of Crime Victims’ Rights reminds us of the courage and resilience of crime victims, including the Bartell family. They are our motivation.”

Kelley said: "This case touched a lot of people deeply.

"This was a beautiful young woman with her whole life in front of her who was simply driving home, and her life was ended as a result of these acts.

“It was shocking to a community, and people wanted to find out who was involved."

Authorities have said the suspects were travelling in a black 2016 Chevy Silverado, but have said as yet it’s not known who was driving or who threw the rock that killed Ms Bartell.

Police have said they believe the suspects’ vehicle was travelling in the opposite direction to the victim’s.