State Police: Cuba Normalization Talks Could Bring Fugitive Back

The State Police say talks that could lead to normalized relations with Cuba could help bring back a fugitive who escape from jail in 1979.

Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, issued the following response after President Obama announced that normalization talks between the United States and Cuba are in the works:

“We continue to work closely with the FBI towards the capture of Joanne Chesimard, a convicted felon and fugitive who escaped from jail in 1979 and remains on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List, as well as New Jersey’s Most Wanted List. We view any changes in relations with Cuba as an opportunity to bring her back to the United States to finish her sentence for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973. We stand by the reward money and hope that the total of two million dollars will prompt fresh information in the light of this altered international relationship.”

Joanne Deborah Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, is currently on New Jersey’s Most Wanted List and the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List - a total of $2 million in reward money is available to anyone with information leading to Chesimard’s apprehension.

“If we ever posted something worth liking and sharing as many times as possible, this is it. We want to see this post go international. It’s time she’s brought back to face justice,” the New Jersey State Police announced on their Facebook Page.

“We’ve attached some pictures in case anyone who sees her could use some money.“