Newark Teenager Arrested in Detective Slaying Following Instagram Gun Display
A New Jersey teenager is in custody after allegedly fatally shooting a Newark detective and wounding another officer in a barrage of gunfire. Authorities believe the incident unfolded shortly after the 14-year-old suspect brandished what is believed to be the murder weapon on Instagram Live, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Investigators are examining the social media post as a potential catalyst for the March 7th tragedy. The teenager’s online activity, interpreted as an attempt to intimidate a rival, may have initiated the chain of events culminating in the detective’s death.
Events Leading to the Fatal Shooting
According to the suspect’s aunt, Hadiyah Sorey, the teen departed his residence around 5:50 p.m., approximately 40 minutes prior to the shooting. He reportedly intended to meet associates at a White Castle restaurant near Carteret Street and Broadway. Sorey spoke to The Post from her Newark home this week.
While at the White Castle location, the teenager allegedly broadcast a video on Instagram showcasing the ghost gun that law enforcement sources identified as the weapon used to kill Detective Joseph Azcona.
“He was observed displaying the firearm on Instagram Live,” a law enforcement source revealed. The weapon was reportedly modified with a device allowing for rapid firing with a single trigger pull, according to the source.
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Law enforcement officials indicated that the teenager was already under scrutiny due to prior arrests for robbery and “other serious offenses.” Local police, collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), were actively monitoring his social media presence when the video was posted.
“Upon reviewing the video and pinpointing the location, officers in unmarked vehicles responded to the area,” the source stated.
“They encountered him walking with a group,” the source continued. “Backup units were requested, and upon arrival, officers exited their vehicles, identified themselves as police. The teenager then allegedly turned and immediately opened fire.”
Detective Azcona Fatally Wounded
Detective Azcona, 26, was fatally struck before even exiting his vehicle.
The five-year police veteran sustained mortal injuries while inside the patrol car as fellow officers returned fire.
“Initially, officers were unaware that [Azcona] had been hit,” the source explained. “Backup officers subsequently discovered him and transported him to the hospital urgently.”
Detective Azcona’s partner sustained a gunshot wound below his protective vest, necessitating surgical removal of portions of his liver and intestines, according to sources. He was discharged from medical care the following Thursday.
The teenager sustained injuries to his leg and arm and remains hospitalized, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. He faces charges of first and second-degree murder.
Manny, Detective Azcona’s partner, who has been identified only by his first name, delivered remarks at Azcona’s funeral at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart last Friday.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
The teenager’s aunt asserted that her nephew had reason to be on edge, claiming he had been “shot at” the preceding day, prompting him to carry a firearm.
Newark Police Department has declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.
She further stated that her nephew claimed the officers arrived in unmarked vehicles, wearing ski masks and brandishing shotguns. She alleges he fired upon them believing they were connected to the prior day’s shooting.
Teenager Claims Lack of Awareness of Police Presence
“While being apprehended, her nephew purportedly told officers, ‘I didn’t know you were the police,’” the aunt recounted. “He would not have fired if he had recognized them as law enforcement.”
However, a law enforcement source disputed this account, asserting that officers clearly identified themselves and were wearing bulletproof vests marked with “police,” along with badges displayed around their necks.
The aunt conveyed a sense of despair regarding her nephew’s future.
“Do you believe a 14-year-old intends to kill a police officer?” she questioned. “His life is irrevocably damaged at 14. He is fundamentally a good child. Now his life is ruined.”
She maintained that her nephew is not affiliated with any gangs, attributing his actions to the negative influence of social media, which she believes “misguides” young people.
Rabiyah Sorey, 43, the teenager’s mother, declined to comment when approached at her home.
Families Grapple with Aftermath of Tragedy
The aunt characterized the entire situation as “devastating.”
“Both families are suffering immensely,” she stated.
A law enforcement source emphasized the profound impact on Detective Azcona’s family, describing them as “utterly heartbroken.”
“He was an exceptional officer and an admirable individual,” the source affirmed. “He was deeply dedicated to his profession.”