Crime
Newark Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty, Second Officer Injured in North Ward Shooting
A 14-year-old suspect was also killed in the incident, sources said.
It is with profound sorrow that the Newark Police Department announces the line-of-duty death of one of its officers, whose name is being withheld at this time out of respect for the family.
Newark Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty Identified as 25-Year-Old Joseph Azcona
The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening when two officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation in Newark’s North Ward.
The officers were met with gunfire, leaving one fatally wounded and the other with non-life-threatening injuries.
A 14-year-old suspect was also killed in the incident, sources said.
The suspect fired around 29 shots, sources said.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the shooting remains under active investigation, as officials work to determine the precise circumstances of the attack.
Preliminary reports indicate that at approximately 6:20 p.m., officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert detecting 18 rounds fired in the area of Broadway and Carteret.
Upon arrival, the officers were ambushed by gunfire, prompting an urgent call for backup from law enforcement units across the city.
One officer sustained a gunshot wound to the head and, despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, succumbed to his injuries at University Hospital.
The second officer was wounded but is in stable condition.
Following the shooting, detectives secured the crime scene, blocking off the intersection of Broadway and Carteret as authorities processed evidence and gathered witness statements.
Officials have confirmed that one suspect is in custody and is believed to be the shooter. However, investigators have not yet disclosed a potential motive or whether additional suspects were involved.
The Newark Police Department, city officials, and the community mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the city.
Further details, including the officer’s identity and arrangements for memorial services, will be released in coordination with the officer’s family.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The public is urged to contact law enforcement with any information that may assist in the case.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.