Videos of Alexa Bartel were played again in the courtroom. The 20-year-old was killed in 2023 when a rock thrown from a moving car shattered the windshield and struck her in the head. Many people, including her parents, spoke before the judge ahead of the sentencing.
«What they’re giving this trash… it’s nowhere near what it should be, because if I had the chance to sentence him, I would give him the death penalty.»
Then, Joseph Koenig, who was convicted of first-degree murder, apologized for the first time in court.
«I’m… I’m so sorry. I know nothing I say can bring Alexa back. Nothing I say can give you one more minute with her, and I know it’s my fault she’s no longer here.»
Koenig said he has no excuse for his actions or for those of his friends who were there.
«I have no explanation for what Mitch Sack and I did that night. But I hope you believe me when I say we didn’t mean to hurt Alexa or anyone else that night.»
The judge sentenced Koenig to life in prison plus 60 years.
«I believe justice was served,» said Alexa’s mother, who expressed relief that the process is now over and that she now wants to focus on her daughter’s memory. «She was amazing and loved everyone. She loved God, believed in forgiveness and in being kind. And we’re going to carry that with us. We’re all working on forgiveness and moving forward.»
