The Unresolved Case of Joanne Chesimard: A Call for Justice Echoes Across Decades
The shooting death of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster on a Friday afternoon in May of 1973 remains a raw and painful memory for law enforcement, the Foerster family, and the state of New Jersey. The incident, which occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike after Foerster approached a vehicle pulled over for a broken taillight, quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation involving three armed members of the Black Liberation Army. Amidst the gunfire, Foerster was struck four times, succumbing to his injuries and leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice.
Decades later, the case continues to stir deep emotions and ignite renewed calls for justice. At the heart of the controversy is Joanne Chesimard, one of the individuals present in the vehicle, who has lived a life evading authorities since her escape from a New Jersey prison in 1979. For years, Chesimard has resided in Cuba, finding refuge from U.S. law and fueling the ire of those who believe she should be held accountable for her alleged role in Foerster’s death.
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan has emerged as a vocal advocate for Chesimard’s extradition, expressing the deep-seated frustration and sense of injustice felt by law enforcement. "I want her yesterday," Callahan declared, emphasizing his readiness to place Trooper Foerster’s handcuffs on Chesimard the moment she sets foot back on U.S. soil. Callahan’s impassioned plea underscores the unwavering commitment to bringing Chesimard to justice and providing closure to a case that has haunted the state police for decades.
The Chesimard case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over U.S.-Cuba relations and the presence of American fugitives seeking safe haven on the island nation. Estimates suggest that around 70 fugitives from U.S. justice, including convicted murderers and airline hijackers, continue to reside in Cuba, shielded from prosecution. The situation has prompted strong condemnation from U.S. officials who accuse the Cuban government of harboring criminals and obstructing justice.
Former President Donald Trump amplified the calls for Chesimard’s extradition, urging the Cuban regime to "cough up" Chesimard and other fugitives. Trump’s administration implemented stricter measures against Cuba, aiming to pressure the government into returning those evading U.S. law. These actions included imposing new sanctions on the Cuban regime and considering further measures to exert economic and political pressure.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been particularly vocal in denouncing the Cuban government’s protection of American criminals, asserting that the regime’s actions enable terrorism and obstruct justice. Rubio’s criticism highlights the broader implications of the Chesimard case, which extends beyond a single act of violence and touches upon issues of international law, political relations, and the fight against terrorism.
Despite the efforts to normalize relations with Cuba under President Obama in 2015, the issue of fugitives remained a contentious point. While some individuals were returned to the U.S. during this period, those accused of terrorist acts remained beyond the reach of American justice. This disparity underscored the complexities of the U.S.-Cuba relationship and the difficulty in resolving long-standing disagreements.
In 2018, the extradition of James R. Ray, a lawyer wanted for murder in New Jersey, demonstrated a potential pathway for resolving similar cases. However, Ray’s case served as a reminder of the challenges involved in securing the extradition of fugitives, particularly those with political or ideological motivations.
President Trump reversed the Obama administration’s agreements with Cuba, reinstating the country on the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation later removed by President Biden. Colonel Callahan emphasized the frustration felt by law enforcement regarding Chesimard’s freedom, stating that it is "painful for law enforcement, not only in New Jersey, but across the country."
Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, is championing the "Frank Connor and Trooper Werner Foerster Justice Act," a bill designed to demand the return of fugitives from Cuba. Scott’s efforts underscore the bipartisan support for addressing the issue and ensuring that those who have committed crimes in the U.S. are held accountable.
The bill is also named in honor of Frank Connor, a New York City banker who was killed in a 1975 bombing at Fraunces Tavern. The bombing was carried out by the Armed Forces for National Liberation (FALN), a Puerto Rican terrorist group responsible for a series of bombings in New York City during the 1970s. The FALN’s chief bombmaker, Willie Morales, also sought refuge in Cuba after escaping from a U.S. prison, further highlighting the historical connection between Cuba and political violence.
Joe Connor, Frank Connor’s son, has been a vocal advocate for the return of fugitives from Cuba, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims of terrorism. Connor believes that the U.S. can leverage its economic power to pressure Cuba into returning fugitives, suggesting that future assistance should be contingent upon their cooperation.
Secretary of State Rubio honored Connor and the other Fraunces Tavern victims on the anniversary of the FALN attack, reaffirming the commitment to holding the Cuban regime accountable and bringing fugitives to justice. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy echoed this sentiment on the anniversary of Foerster’s murder, vowing to pursue Chesimard’s repatriation to New Jersey.
Colonel Callahan notes that Foerster’s death and Chesimard’s freedom remain "an open wound" for the state police, emphasizing the enduring impact of the case on the department and its members. Callahan’s unwavering commitment to bringing Chesimard back to New Jersey underscores the determination to achieve justice and honor the memory of Trooper Foerster.
The pursuit of Joanne Chesimard and other American fugitives in Cuba represents a complex challenge that involves legal, political, and moral considerations. The case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of past events and the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of violence and terrorism. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crime and ensuring that those who commit crimes are held accountable, regardless of where they seek refuge. The echoes of that Friday in May continue to reverberate, fueling the determination to bring closure to this unresolved chapter in American history.
