Mom of Police Officer, 26, Who Was Allegedly Murdered by Teen in N.J. Mourns Her Son: 'That Was My Baby'

Mar. 15, 2025

Detective Joseph Azcona of the Newark Police Department.Photo:New Jersey State Police/Facebook

New Jersey State Police/Facebook

The mother of thepolice officer who was killed in a shooting in New Jerseyis speaking out after his death.

Azcona’s mother, Martha Vargas, recalled her nephew calling her from the hospital, where Azcona was brought before being pronounced dead, to tell her about her son, though she said she didn’t initially realize the extent of his injuries.

“I thought it was something simple," she toldThe New York Post. “When I went to the hospital, he was like that. They shot him in the head.”

Police tape at a crime scene (stock image).Getty

Getty

Azcona and the second officer were working as part of a team of detectives and federal agents who were investigating illegal weapons when they were involved in a shoot-out between police and a large group on March 7, authorities said during their March 8 press conference.

Emanuel Miranda, Newark’s director of public safety, said that Azcona “didn’t even get a chance to step out of the vehicle before he was struck."

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The 14-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of illegal weapons tied to the incident, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stevens II said.

“It’s crazy. It’s crazy. A young kid,” Vargas told thePost, reacting to her son’s alleged killer. “Sometimes you can blame the parents, but sometimes you can’t. You don’t know what they’re doing. You cannot blame them.”

She added, “I don’t blame the parents, believe me. You know how kids are when they get with other kids.”

Detective Joseph Azcona of the Newark Police Department.New Jersey State Police/Facebook

Multiple other suspects were also brought into police custody over the incident, authorities said.

Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones said in a statement on March 8, perABC News, “Law enforcement officers leave their loved ones every day and put their lives on the line for the safety and wellbeing of our communities.”

“The egregious acts that took place last night have left a family, a community and the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement devastated and with a void that can never be filled,” he continued.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

source: people.com