A teen gang member accused of murdering a police sergeant in Newark, New Jersey, could face trial as an adult in federal court.
Interim US attorney Alina Haba confirmed on Thursday that she took over the case and submitted the necessary documents to try the 14-year-old suspect as an adult.
Haba, who was recently tapped by President Donald Trump to serve as the US lawyer for his hometown in New Jersey, said he looked into the case shortly after taking office.
Under New Jersey law, juvenile suspects cannot be tested as adults.
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“He was going under the state. So if he was found guilty, he would have been sentenced to a very low sentence. I’m sure that’s what he is. Then we took it and demanded that it be federal charges and be charged as an adult.”
“Despite the severity of the problem, the state does not want to declare a 14-year-old as an adult,” the petition said. “This puts our family in a confused and painful position. We firmly believe that the gravity of the crime committed should be a determinant of the lawsuit, not the age of the offender.”
Law enforcement officers will investigate the scene after two officers were shot dead in Newark, New Jersey on March 7, 2025. Advance Media via Ed Murray/NJ AP
The teenage identity has not been released due to his age.
Police say Azkona and another officer were at the intersection of Carterlett Street and Broadway and asked people about possible weapons possession. The suspect immediately began firing at the officers, hitting both while still in the car.
At least 18 shots have been reported, authorities said. It was found that both Azkona and the other officers were injured by responding officers.
Azkona died of injuries at the hospital the following morning.
A total of five people were detained, authorities said. The 14-year-old suspect is the only suspect facing charges including murder, attempted murder and possession of an illegal weapon.
Azkona served in the Newark Police Department for five years, with the last two serving as detectives, and after his death he was promoted to Sergeant.
