NJ leaders demand Cuba hand over cop killer

Leaders from both parties in New Jersey are calling for justice before President Barack Obama moves forward with plans to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba. Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted

News 12 Staff

Apr 17, 2015, 2:17 AM

Updated 3,297 days ago

Share:

NJ leaders demand Cuba hand over cop killer
Leaders from both parties in New Jersey are calling for justice before President Barack Obama moves forward with plans to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba.
Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted of murdering a New Jersey state trooper in 1973, has asylum in Cuba. Her asylum has driven a wedge between President Obama and New Jersey leaders. This week, Gov. Chris Christie called normalizing relations without turning over Chesimard a national disgrace.
However, reports from the Justice Department state Cuba may now be willing to reconsider as part of a new diplomatic understanding.
"Returning Joanne Chesimard to face justice is a must," says Congressman Leonard Lance. "If these reports are to be believed, Cuban officials must finally be getting the message that if they want to re-engage in world affairs, they cannot abuse human rights and harbor the world's most-wanted fugitives."
Chesimard is not the only fugitive living under asylum in Cuba. William Morales is a Puerto Rican nationalist who is wanted in connection with a bombing in Manhattan that killed a man from Fair Lawn in the 1970s.


More from News 12
Tractor-trailer crashes into Cedar Grove pharmacy

Tractor-trailer crashes into Cedar Grove pharmacy

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:23
Beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey; scattered showers expected this weekend

Beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey; scattered showers expected this weekend

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:31
Police: Former Giants lineman Korey Cunningham, 28, found dead in Clifton home

Police: Former Giants lineman Korey Cunningham, 28, found dead in Clifton home

1:21
SUV crashes through Dunkin' in Old Bridge

SUV crashes through Dunkin' in Old Bridge

0:23
North Wildwood approved for emergency beach replenishment

North Wildwood approved for emergency beach replenishment

0:52
Clothesline Project raises awareness of sexual assault survivors

Clothesline Project raises awareness of sexual assault survivors

0:42
Police: 3 women accused of stealing nearly $600 worth of merchandise from Target

Police: 3 women accused of stealing nearly $600 worth of merchandise from Target

2:17
South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

2:28
Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

0:28
Former Carteret middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

Former Carteret middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

0:42
Former NJ national guardsman who set off large FBI manhunt pleads guilty to capitol riot charges

Former NJ national guardsman who set off large FBI manhunt pleads guilty to capitol riot charges

0:33
Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

2:09
Paws & Pals: Bogey now up for adoption with JerseyGirls Animal Rescue

Paws & Pals: Bogey now up for adoption with JerseyGirls Animal Rescue

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

0:23
New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

0:17
Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

2:34
KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?

KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?