Exclusive | Mom of slain Newark police detective Joseph Azcona mourns her beloved son after deadly shooting: ‘That was my baby’

A Mother’s Grief: Remembering Slain Newark Police Detective Joseph Azcona

In a heart-wrenching interview, Martha Vargas, the mother of slain Newark police detective Joseph Azcona, shared her emotional ordeal following the loss of her son. Speaking to The Post, Vargas tearfully recounted the moments she learned of her son’s tragic death, a event that has left her and her family shattered. “That was my baby. He always said he wanted to be a cop when he was little, and when he grew up, he took the test,” she said, her voice trembling with grief. Joseph Azcona, a dedicated officer who was raised and later served in Newark, was shot in the head during a violent incident in the city he swore to protect. His untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to grapple with the senseless loss of a public servant.

A Nightmare Unfolds: The Tragic Events of Friday Evening

Vargas recalled the harrowing moments when she was summoned to the hospital in the early hours of the morning by her nephew, who is also a police officer. Unaware of the severity of the situation, she thought it was a minor incident. “I thought it was something simple,” she admitted. However, upon arriving at the hospital, she was met with an unimaginable sight: her son lying on his deathbed, his life slipping away after being shot in the head. The sheer brutality of the act left Vargas in disbelief, as she struggled to reconcile the loss of her youngest child, a man who had devoted his life to serving others. “When I went to the hospital, he was like that. They shot him in the head,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears.

A Mother’s Constant Fear: The Dangers of Policing

As a mother of five, Vargas had always harbored a deep concern for her youngest son, Joseph, whose chosen career as a police officer came with inherent risks. Despite her worries, Joseph often downplayed the dangers of his job. “He was always saying he wasn’t in danger,” Vargas remembered, her voice tinged with regret. Joseph’s death has only amplified the fears that many families of law enforcement officers endure, a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect their communities. Yet, even as she grappled with her grief, Vargas expressed a sense of resignation, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of life and the inherent risks of Joseph’s profession.

The Shocking Allegations: A 14-Year-Old Suspect

The tragedy of Joseph Azcona’s death is compounded by the shocking revelation that the alleged gunman is only 14 years old. Vargas, like many others, struggled to comprehend how such a young individual could be involved in such a heinous crime. “It’s crazy. It’s crazy. A young kid,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief. While some might be quick to assign blame to the parents of the suspect, Vargas chose not to condemn them. “Sometimes you can blame the parents, but sometimes you can’t. You don’t know what they’re doing. You cannot blame them. I don’t blame the parents, believe me,” she said. Instead, she acknowledged the complexities of parenting and the challenges of navigating the influences that young people often face. “You know how kids are when they get with other kids,” she added, shedding light on the group dynamics that may have played a role in the incident.

The Aftermath: Investigations and Injuries

The shooting occurred on Friday evening, shortly after 6:30 p.m., near a McDonald’s and a White Castle in the north section of Newark. A large group had gathered in the area when the shots rang out, leaving Joseph Azcona fatally wounded. He was pronounced dead early Saturday morning at University Hospital in Newark. Adding to the tragedy, Joseph’s injured partner remains hospitalized, recovering from wounds sustained during the incident. In a twist that underscores the chaos of the event, the 14-year-old alleged gunman was also struck by a bullet and is currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have taken four additional individuals into custody in connection with the shooting, though their exact roles in the incident remain under investigation.

A City in Mourning: The Legacy of Joseph Azcona

As Newark grapples with the loss of one of its finest officers, the community has come together to honor Joseph Azcona’s memory and reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement. His death serves as a stark reminder of the risks that officers like Joseph face daily to protect their communities. For Martha Vargas, the pain of losing her son is indescribable, but she finds solace in the knowledge that Joseph lived a life of purpose and service. “He always wanted to be a cop,” she said, her voice filled with pride and sorrow. As the city mourns, Joseph’s legacy lives on, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and continue his mission of service and protection.