The family of Newark police detective Joseph Azcona is mourning his tragic death after he was shot while on duty. The 14-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released, allegedly opened fire with an automatic weapon, striking Azcona and his partner while they were in their police car. This shocking incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
Juan G. Lopez, Azcona’s uncle, expressed the family’s disbelief and sorrow. He pointed to the upbringing of the young suspect as part of the problem, saying, “It’s the parents. The way they were raised, the parents.” He added that the family is struggling to understand how such violence could happen.
The shooting left the Azcona family in shock. Lopez described the situation as “crazy,” highlighting the pain of losing a loved one in such a violent manner. He noted that they are a family that contributes to the community, emphasizing their commitment to living a straight life free of drugs.
Detective Azcona, a five-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, died early Saturday morning at University Hospital, surrounded by family. His partner, who survived the shooting, is also receiving treatment at the same hospital. The family had gathered at the home of Azcona’s father, Juan, to support each other during this difficult time.
Martha Vargas, Azcona’s mother, shared her grief, stating that her son was loved by many. She was at his bedside when he passed away, and the family is still grappling with their loss.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office reported that the suspect was also injured during the shooting and is currently hospitalized. This incident has raised serious concerns about youth violence and the influence of family dynamics, as highlighted by Lopez’s comments on the suspect’s upbringing.
As the community comes to terms with this tragedy, the focus remains on the impact of such violence on families and the need for solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
