TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey leaders are reacting to the death of Joanne Chesimard, the convicted murderer of State Trooper Werner Foerster, who escaped prison in 1979 and fled to Cuba where she lived in exile for decades.
Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (R-Morris), a prime sponsor of a resolution urging Cuba to extradite Chesimard, said her death closes the door on a long pursuit of justice.
“It will forever remain a tragedy that justice was never served in the senseless murder of Trooper Foerster. Joanne Chesimard was a fugitive who will never be held accountable in the United States, but New Jersey can and will always remember Trooper Foester for his duty and sacrifice. May his memory be a blessing,” Inganamort said.
Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, shot and killed Foerster on May 2, 1973, after a traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike. She was sentenced to life in prison in 1977, but escaped two years later and was granted political asylum in Cuba.
According to Inganamort’s resolution (AR151), state authorities made repeated efforts to secure her extradition, including an appeal to Pope John Paul II during his 1998 visit to Cuba. In 2013, she became the first woman placed on the FBI’s most wanted terrorist list.
Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Chesimard’s death on Friday.
Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan issued a joint statement Friday morning after being briefed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“Earlier this morning, we spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who informed us that the government of Cuba has announced the death of U.S. fugitive Joanne Chesimard, who viciously murdered New Jersey State Trooper and Vietnam War veteran Werner Foerster,” the statement read.
“For years, we have worked with the State Department to bring Chesimard back to New Jersey, so she could face justice for the cold-blooded murder of an American hero. Sadly, it appears she has passed without being held fully accountable for her heinous crimes.
“We mourn Trooper Foerster’s loss every day, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his widow, Rosie, their son, Eric, and the entire New Jersey State Police family.
“Unlike his killer, Trooper Foerster never had a chance to live out his days in peace. But we remain fully committed to honoring his memory and sacrifice. We will vigorously oppose any attempt to repatriate Chesimard’s remains to the United States.”
