Teen Tried as Adult in NJ Cop Killing Case

A 14-year-old accused of fatally shooting Newark Police Sgt. Joseph Azcona will be tried as an adult in federal court, according to New Jersey's interim U.S. Attorney, Alina Habba. The teen, who has not been named due to his age, faces charges including murder, attempted murder, and illegal weapons possession, stemming from the March 7 incident where Azcona was shot while responding to a gun-related investigation. Habba has filed paperwork for federal charges, bypassing New Jersey's state law that prohibits trying individuals under 15 as adults. Critics, including Rutgers Law professor Laura Cohen, argue against this approach, suggesting juvenile courts can still hold offenders accountable while offering rehabilitation. The case brings to light ongoing debates about juvenile justice and the impact of trying minors as adults. Habba's decision reflects a broader push to address violent crime through harsher penalties.