Teen Gang Member Charged with Killing Police Officer May Face Adult Trial
A teenage gang member alleged to have killed a police sergeant in Newark, New Jersey, may be prosecuted as an adult in federal court.
On Thursday, interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced that she has submitted the necessary documentation to assume control of the case and to charge the 14-year-old suspect as an adult.
Habba, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, said she investigated the case as soon as she took office.
According to New Jersey state laws, the juvenile suspect cannot be charged as an adult.
Related Stories
“He was going to be handled under state law, which would have resulted in a significantly lighter sentence if convicted. I then requested to take on the case and pursue federal charges, treating him as an adult.”
“Given the seriousness of this situation, the state refuses to charge the 14-year-old as an adult,” the petition asserts. “This leaves our family in confusion and grief. We strongly believe that the seriousness of the crime should dictate the proceedings, not the age of the offender.”
The identity of the teen has not been disclosed due to his age.
According to police, Azcona and another officer were at the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway to investigate an individual regarding a possible weapons charge when the suspect opened fire, hitting both officers while they remained in their vehicle.
Authorities reported at least 18 rounds fired. Responding officers discovered Azcona and the other officer injured.
Azcona succumbed to his injuries the following morning in the hospital.
Authorities detained a total of five individuals, with only the 14-year-old suspect facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of a weapon.
Azcona had served with the Newark Police Division for five years, spending the last two as a detective, and was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.
