Assata Shakur, convicted killer of NJ state trooper, dies in Cuba, embassy reports
Assata Shakur, a member of the Black Liberation Army who escaped prison after she was convicted of killing a New Jersey State Trooper, has died in Cuba, where she’s lived in exile for close to 50 years, according to a statement by the Cuban government. She was 78.
Shakur, known by law enforcement as Joanne Chesimard, was convicted of first-degree murder in 1977 for the killing of a state trooper who pulled her and fellow BLA members over during a traffic stop in May 1973, according to the FBI.
Shakur and accomplices opened fire on the troopers, killing one, Werner Foerster, and injuring another, officials said at the time. Shakur claimed an officer fired first. There's never been an independent review of Shakur's case.
Shakur fled, but was eventually apprehended and convicted in 1977 of first-degree murder, assault and battery of a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill, illegal possession of a weapon, and armed robbery.
She was serving a life sentence at the now shuttered Clinton Correctional Facility for Women, when, according to the FBI, members of the Black Liberation Army conducted an armed raid on the facility and managed her escape.
Officials said she lived underground and in 1984 was located in Cuba where she remained for the rest of her life.
Neither the state police nor the governor’s office immediately responded to a request for comment.
Shakur’s daughter, Kakuya Shakur, confirmed the news of her mother's death on social media.
"Words cannot describe the depth of loss that I am feeling at this time,” she said. “My spirit is overflowing in unison with all of you who are grieving with me at this time.”
