Joseph Anthony Azcona, a 26-year-old male Newark Police Detective, was shot and killed on the evening of Friday, March 7, 2025, while investigating illegal gun activity. Azcona, who was proud of his family's heritage from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, was a five-year veteran of the department and had been a detective for two years. He was part of a special intelligence unit working with federal agents to address reports of illegal weapons in the city.
On that Friday at
approximately 6:30 p.m., Detective Azcona and his partner were at the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway when they approached a group of individuals suspected of possessing illegal firearms. Before he could even exit his vehicle, gunfire erupted, and Azcona was struck in the head. His partner was also shot but was expected to recover from his injuries. Detective Azcona was transported to University Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Following the shooting, five individuals were taken into custody. A 14-year-old male was arrested and subsequently charged with murder, attempted murder, and illegal weapons possession. The teenage suspect was also injured during the exchange of gunfire and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Prosecutors later announced that the 14-year-old would be tried as an adult on federal charges.
Detective Azcona, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant, was remembered as a dedicated officer who had dreamed of joining the Newark police force since childhood. His funeral was held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, drawing hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the nation to pay their respects.
