Assata Shakur, a former Black Liberation Army member convicted of murder and a fugitive for decades, has died in Cuba at age 78. Shakur, also known as Joanne Chesimard, escaped from a New Jersey prison in 1979 and was granted asylum in Cuba. She was convicted in the 1973 murder of State Trooper Werner Foerster and remained on the New Jersey State Police's Most Wanted List, with authorities seeking her extradition unsuccessfully for over 40 years. Cuban officials stated she died of health complications.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.