The long-running international manhunt for one of the FBI’s Most Wanted terrorists ended not with an arrest, but in a Cuban hospital room.

Joanne Chesimard, the convicted killer of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster and longtime fugitive also known as Assata Shakur, died in Havana on Sept. 25, 2025, according to a statement from the Cuban government, as Fox News reports.

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Shakur’s death, attributing it to “health conditions and advanced age.” She had been living in Cuba since the mid-1980s after fleeing from U.S. authorities, who had convicted her in 1977 of Foerster's 1973 murder during a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Born JoAnne Deborah Byron in Queens, New York, she later changed her name to Assata Olugbala Shakur. A former member of the Black Liberation Army, a group labeled by the FBI as one of the most violent domestic militant organizations of the 1970s, Shakur was connected to a series of armed robberies and violent acts in the U.S.

In addition to Foerster’s murder, Shakur was convicted of several felonies, including armed robbery. She was sentenced to life in prison, but in 1979, she broke out of the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey with the help of accomplices wielding concealed firearms.

Fugitive life in Cuba spanned decades

After escaping prison, Shakur disappeared underground in the U.S., eluding capture for several years. In 1984, she reappeared in Cuba, where the communist regime granted her asylum. U.S. authorities, including the FBI and the New Jersey attorney general, offered $1 million each for her arrest and return.

Despite frequent U.S. diplomatic efforts, Cuba refused to extradite her. In 2013, the FBI escalated its efforts by naming her to its Most Wanted Terrorists List, making her the first woman ever to appear on that list. Her presence in Havana became emblematic of the long-standing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba.

A notable photograph taken in October 1987 shows Shakur in Havana holding the manuscript for her autobiography, a text that would later be cited by activists and scholars discussing race, justice, and political revolution in America. She also gained notoriety in pop culture through her familial connection as the godmother and step-aunt of the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

New Jersey leaders express frustration

Reactions from New Jersey officials following news of her death reflected a mix of sadness and frustration. Gov. Phil Murphy and State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan issued a joint statement lamenting that Shakur evaded full accountability for Foerster’s killing.

“For years, we have worked with the State Department to bring Chesimard back to New Jersey,” they said, describing her as responsible for the killing of a “hero.” They emphasized their commitment to honoring Foerster’s memory and signaled strong opposition to any attempts to bring Shakur's remains back to U.S. soil. The pair also extended condolences to Foerster’s surviving family, including his widow and son. “Unlike his killer,” they stated, “Trooper Foerster never had a chance to live out his days in peace.”

U.S. officials blast Cuban authorities

A State Department spokesperson confirmed that Cuban officials had notified the U.S. Embassy in Havana of Shakur's passing. The spokesperson accused the Cuban government of protecting a fugitive for decades, preventing closure for victims and their families. “On behalf of her victims,” the spokesperson said, “we regret that the Cuban dictatorship... prevented her from facing justice.” They further urged Cuba to return other U.S. fugitives still living under its protection.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these criticisms, stating in May that "the Cuban regime continues to provide a haven for terrorists and criminals." Rubio has been a longstanding critic of Cuba’s policy on American fugitives and reaffirmed demands for the extradition of others also evading U.S. law.

Presidential, legal perspectives on Shakur’s legacy

In 2017, President Donald Trump, in his first term, used a public address to call for the return of “the cop-killer Joanne Chesimard,” linking her continued presence in Cuba to broader tensions between the two nations. That same year, he implemented additional sanctions against the Cuban government.

The late New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal had also taken a hardline stance on Shakur’s legacy. In a 2019 public statement, he described her simply as “a domestic terrorist and nothing more.” This view reflected long-standing official frustration over the inability to bring her back to face the U.S. justice system.

Shakur's status as both a symbol of revolutionary resistance and a convicted cop killer made her a polarizing figure across the political spectrum. Some, including social justice activists, viewed her case as an example of systemic racial injustice, while others saw her as a dangerous criminal who took the life of a public servant.

Lessons to learn

1. Security and accountability after conviction are vital. Shakur’s prison escape in 1979 is a chilling reminder that even after securing a conviction, authorities must ensure adequate safeguards to prevent further harm to the public. Her escape involved armed individuals and advanced planning, highlighting risks within the prison system.

2. Diplomatic protection of fugitives can obstruct justice. Cuba’s decision to shelter Shakur for over four decades prevented closure in a significant case of domestic terrorism. This case shows how political alliances and policies can affect victims' families and the integrity of the legal process.

3. Always remember the victims. No matter how politically charged a case may become, it is essential to center the memory of those harmed and their loved ones. Joanne Chesimard’s death may close a chapter, but the pain experienced by Trooper Foerster’s family remains enduring. Everyone should strive to be informed citizens and support efforts that promote justice and healing. However, even with caution and awareness, crime can tragically affect anyone, and responsibility always belongs to those who commit harmful acts.

Why this story matters

This story matters because it highlights the long-term consequences of unresolved justice. It raises crucial questions about international law, diplomatic relations, and the rights of victims’ families to see justice serve its course.

The death of a convicted cop killer who evaded U.S. law for decades leaves a lasting imprint on legal and political history.