May 2, 2019 Contact: Emily Everson / (609) 847-3600
State Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) released the following statement marking the 46 anniversary of the brutal slaying of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, who was murdered by Joanne Chesimard on May 2, 1973.
Chesimard was convicted of murdering Trooper Foerster and sentenced to life in prison, but subsequently escaped and has been living under the protection of political asylum in Cuba ever since. Senator Pennacchio has long-sponsored a bipartisan resolution calling for her extradition to the United States.
“Our hearts go out to for the Foerster family as they continue to cope with this unimaginable loss. No child should blow out a birthday candle, graduate, or walk down the aisle without their father by their side. Trooper Foerster was a pillar of strength for his family, and his brothers and sisters in arms at the State Police. That pillar crumbled 46 years ago today when Joanne Chesimard pulled the trigger.
“That convicted killer belongs in jail, and justice will not be served until we bring her back to serve out her sentence. Clearly, we cannot count on Cuba to take action. We must do the right thing and demand her extradition now.
“We owe it to the Foerster family, and all of the State Troopers serving bravely today to stand united in this call for Chesimard’s immediate return to the United States. I can think of no better time to schedule a hearing on my bill then today, as we mark his untimely passing for the 46th time. I hope a vote will be called as soon as possible. The Foerster family has waited far too long already.”