14-Year-Old Gang Member Charged as Adult in Newark Cop Killing

Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, has announced the decision to prosecute a 14-year-old gang member accused of fatally shooting a Newark police detective as an adult in federal court. This determination comes amid a broader commitment to combat violent crime in the Garden State.

The unnamed suspect, allegedly affiliated with the notorious Bloods gang, is charged with the murder of Detective Joseph Azcona. The tragic incident occurred last month while Detective Azcona was inside his patrol vehicle. Another officer also sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.

Habba expressed her firm stance on the matter by stating, “We will be charging that minor as an adult. We filed the papers yesterday.” She made these remarks while participating in a multi-agency law enforcement raid targeting wanted criminals in Newark, often referred to as Brick City.

With a background as President Donald Trump’s former attorney, Habba now holds a pivotal role as she seeks to impose stricter consequences on violent offenders. Her unwavering message to underage offenders was clear. “If you’re a child, I don’t care. If you shoot a cop, you’re getting tried as an adult. I have no tolerance for violence, and we’re going to clean up New Jersey.”

While New Jersey state law generally prohibits offenders younger than 15 from being prosecuted as adults, Habba indicated that her office filed motions to elevate the case to federal court, where the age restrictions do not apply.

“He’s 14 years old; he belongs to a gang — he shot a cop who came out to get him, and the officer is now dead. He was only 26 years old,” Habba told the New York Post, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Initially, the teenager faced charges including murder, attempted murder, and possession of illegal weapons. As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that the slain officer was part of a task force composed of Newark police detectives and federal agents. Their mission was to apprehend a suspect involved in an illegal weapons operation when Detective Azcona was fired upon in his vehicle.

The other officer injured in the altercation was hospitalized but fortunately suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous, callous disregard for humanity” and noted that officers were aware of the significant dangers associated with their mission.

During the law enforcement operation on Wednesday, authorities also detained an 18-year-old suspected Bloods gang member with a history of weapons-related charges. This individual was sought for aggravated assault following an incident in which he allegedly shot two victims.

Habba additionally reiterated her commitment to tackling human trafficking in New Jersey. She established a Human Trafficking Task Force as one of her initial directives and appointed a dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney to spearhead the initiative. On X, formerly known as Twitter, she emphasized the importance of addressing this critical issue.

“The World Cup will be hosted in New Jersey in 2026, and we will ensure it is safe. WE WILL BE READY!”

As law enforcement agencies continue to address violence and illegal activities in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Habba’s determination to prosecute this case demonstrates a significant shift towards holding offenders accountable, regardless of age. The gravity of the situation has spurred community discussions about the intersection of youth crime and public safety.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement and community leaders urge citizens to support one another and work collaboratively towards a safer future. Maintaining standards of public safety remains a fundamental priority for all involved.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.