Detective Joseph Anthony Azcona, 26, was shot and killed on the evening of Friday, March 7, 2025, while investigating reports of illegal firearms in Newark. A five-year department veteran and two-year detective, Azcona was part of a special intelligence unit working with federal agents. He and a partner approached a group near Carteret Street and Broadway at about 6:30 p.m. Before Azcona could exit his vehicle, gunfire erupted; he suffered a fatal head wound and was taken to University Hospital, where he died at 2:30 a.m. on March 8, 2025.

His partner was also shot and expected to recover. Five people were taken into custody after the shooting. A 14-year-old male was arrested, charged with murder, attempted murder, and illegal weapons possession, and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; prosecutors later announced the teen would be tried as an adult on federal charges. Azcona, who was proud of his Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, was posthumously promoted to sergeant; his funeral on March 14, 2025, drew hundreds of law enforcement attendees.

Does anyone who knew Detective Azcona or who was in that neighborhood that evening have information to share?