Slain Newark cop was all-around ‘nice kid’ who helped neighbors —and racked up police medals along way

Tragic Loss of a Young Hero: The Story of Detective Joseph Azcona

Detective Joseph Azcona, a 26-year-old decorated police officer from Newark, New Jersey, was tragically killed in the line of duty last week during a gun sweep operation. This young hero, who had been serving on the force for five years, was ambushed and fatally shot in the head by a 14-year-old boy while still sitting in his police car. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, as Azcona was not only a dedicated law enforcement officer but also a kind and compassionate neighbor who touched the lives of those around him. His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect and serve their communities every day.

A Beloved Member of the Community: Remembering Joseph Azcona

Joseph Azcona grew up in Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, and was known for his kindness and dedication to his community. He lived with his mother, and his neighbors remembered him as a "nice kid" who always went out of his way to help others. Matilda Daa, a 45-year-old resident of the neighborhood, shared a heartwarming memory of Azcona. She recalled how he would often offer her his parking spot when she returned home from work. "When I’m looking for a parking spot, he would always say, ‘Miss, do you want my spot?’" she said. Daa’s little boy even looked up to Azcona, calling out "Officer!" whenever he saw him. These small gestures highlight the kind of person Azcona was—someone who made a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

The Events of the Tragic Night

On the evening of the shooting, Azcona and his partner were responding to a 911 call reporting a person with a gun in the Forest Hill section of Newark. As they arrived at the scene around 6:30 p.m., the 14-year-old suspect began firing at them. A worker at a nearby McDonald’s reported hearing about six rapid shots, adding that there is surveillance footage of at least part of the shootout, which has since been confiscated by the police. Another witness, who was riding his bike down the street at the time, described the sound of the gunfire as "really loud" and said he knew immediately that they were gunshots. He recalled how quickly the situation escalated, with police cars rushing to the scene moments after the shots were fired.

Azcona was struck by a fatal bullet from an automatic weapon while still inside his police car. His partner, who was outside the vehicle at the time, was also shot but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 14-year-old shooter was also wounded in the exchange of gunfire and remains hospitalized. Once he is released, he will face arraignment, according to Carmen Martin, a spokeswoman for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The senseless violence of this act has left the community grappling with grief and outrage, as they mourn the loss of a young officer who was taken far too soon.

A Promising Career Cut Short: Joseph Azcona’s Legacy

Joseph Azcona’s career in law enforcement was marked by remarkable achievements, especially for someone so early in their service. After just two years on the force, he was promoted to detective—a testament to his dedication and excellence. During his time as an officer, he received numerous awards, including a 2023 medal for excellence for a traffic stop that resulted in the confiscation of two handguns. He was also named the Newark Lodge Officer of the Month in 2022 and received a citation from the Newark 4th Precinct in 2020. Azcona’s ambitions didn’t stop there; he had hopes of one day becoming an FBI agent. His stellar career and bright future were tragically cut short by the actions of a young shooter, leaving his colleagues and community to reflect on what could have been.

Justice and Community Response: A Call for Accountability

The shooting has sparked a mix of emotions in the community, with many calling for justice and accountability. Matilda Daa expressed her sorrow for Azcona’s family, saying, “I feel bad for the family—the mom and the brothers. They are nice people ever since I moved to this community.” She also reflected on the accused shooter, noting, “He’s young, but he took somebody’s life, he took somebody’s child. And this person’s life he took was a nice person.” Another witness, who declined to be named, suggested that the suspect should be tried as an adult once he turns 18, saying, “His life is over, too.” The incident has renewed conversations about gun violence, juvenile justice, and the need for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Conclusion: Honoring a Fallen Hero

Detective Joseph Azcona’s funeral will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica Roman Catholic Church in Newark. The service will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and honor the life of a man who dedicated himself to protecting and serving others. As the city mourns the loss of this young hero, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. From his selfless acts of kindness to his remarkable achievements in law enforcement, Joseph Azcona’s story is one of courage, compassion, and service. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.