The family of Detective Joseph Azcona, who was tragically killed in a shooting, has expressed their grief and frustration, blaming the parents of the 14-year-old suspect for their son’s death.
Azcona’s uncle, Juan G. Lopez, spoke about the devastating loss, saying the family is still in shock. “It’s the parents. The way they were raised,” Lopez told The New York Post. The officer’s death has left them stunned and heartbroken.
The family gathered at Azcona’s father’s home in Newark to mourn and support each other. While Azcona’s father was too distraught to speak, Lopez shared how much the family is struggling with this sudden loss. “We are hardworking people, business owners, and law-abiding citizens. This has hurt us deeply,” he said.
Azcona’s mother, who was by his side in his final moments, described her son as someone who had always dreamed of becoming a police officer. “That was my baby. He always said he wanted to be a cop, and when he grew up, he took the test,” she said.
However, unlike Lopez, Azcona’s mother did not blame the suspect’s parents. “Sometimes you can blame the parents, but sometimes you can’t. You don’t always know what’s happening in their home. I don’t blame them,” she said.
The Tragic Incident
The fatal shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Friday when the 14-year-old suspect allegedly opened fire with an automatic weapon. According to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens, the suspect fired 29 bullets at Azcona and his partner before they could even react inside their police car.
Azcona, a five-year veteran of the force, was rushed to University Hospital, where he passed away on Saturday morning, surrounded by his grieving family. His partner, whose name has not been released, survived the attack and remains hospitalized. The 14-year-old suspect was also shot during the gunfire and is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital, authorities said.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about youth violence and the role of parental responsibility in preventing such crimes. The Azcona family continues to grieve as they seek justice for their fallen loved one.
