Crime
Newark Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty Identified as 25-Year-Old Joseph Azcona
Authorities are conducting an active investigation into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a Newark police officer and left another wounded on Friday evening in the city’s North Ward.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has scheduled a press conference at 10 a.m. to provide further details on the tragic incident, which has deeply impacted the local law enforcement community.
Preliminary reports indicate that shortly before 6:30 p.m., a ShotSpotter device detected approximately 18 gunshots near the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway, prompting an immediate police response.
Upon arrival near a White Castle restaurant, officers discovered two fellow officers wounded.
One officer sustained severe injuries and was rushed to University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Sources have identified him as Officer Joseph Azcona.
The second officer suffered non-life-threatening wounds and remains in stable condition.
During the violent encounter, at least two suspects were taken into custody.
One of the suspects reportedly sustained serious injuries, though authorities have not yet disclosed his condition or role in the shooting.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy arrived at University Hospital late Friday night and expressed his condolences while stating on social media that he is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with law enforcement officials continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Additional updates will be provided following today’s press conference 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.