GOLDEN, Colo. (May 10, 2024) – Zachary Hiestand Kwak (DOB: 3/18/2005) pled guilty this morning for the rock-throwing attacks on the night of April 19, 2023. As a result of his plea and cooperation, he will face 20-32 years in prison.
On Apr. 19, 2023, between the hours of approximately 10:00 pm and 10:45 pm, seven vehicles were hit by rocks in Jefferson and Boulder Counties. Tragically, Alexa Bartell lost her life, and three others were injured. As part of today’s plea, Kwak agreed that with regard to the death of Bartell, the defendant acted knowingly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, by engaging in conduct which created a grave risk of death.
Kwak pled to the following added charges:
Count 14: ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE- Section 18-3-202(1)(c), C.R.S. (F3) (naming Alexa Bartell)
Count 15: ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE – Section 18-3-203(1)(b), C.R.S. (F4) (naming 3 victims with injuries from 4/19/23)
Count 16: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE – Section 18-3-203(1)(b);18-2-101, C.R.S. (F5) (naming remaining 3 victims from 4/19/23)
The original charges were dismissed as a result of the plea. Kwak is scheduled to be sentenced on Sep. 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. or at the conclusion of co-defendant trials.
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