Sundiata Acoli, convicted in 1973 murder of New Jersey state trooper, granted parole
NEW JERSEY -- New Jersey's Supreme Court granted parole Tuesday to a former member of the Black Liberation Army who was convicted in the infamous 1973 murder of a state trooper.
In 1973, Sundiata Acoli was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison for the shooting death of New Jersey state trooper Werner Foerster.
His co-defendant, Joanne Chesimard, escaped from prison and remains a fugitive.
Now, after serving 49 years behind bars, Acoli has been granted parole.
"When I talked to Sundiata today and told him that the court had ruled in his favor, I must've repeated it at least six times ... It was surreal for him," attorney Soffiyah Elijah said.
In its decision Tuesday, the New Jersey Supreme Court wrote in part, "No member of the Court disputes that Acoli committed a horrific crime. The issue, however, is whether Acoli, after nearly five decades of imprisonment, has satisfied the statutory demands that govern his parole eligibility."
"And in New Jersey, a life sentence means that you're eligible for parole after serving 25 years," Elijah told CBS2's Ali Bauman.
Gov. Phil Murphy criticized the court's decision, saying in part, "Anyone who would take the life of an officer on duty should remain behind bars until the end of their life."
"The memory of Trooper Foerster, his dignity, the family's dignity, I believe has been trampled on by the court," said Wayne Blanchard, president of the State Troopers Fraternal Association. "This is probably one of the most notorious crimes in the state of New Jersey's history."
Attorneys for Acoli say at 85 years old, he suffers from dementia and other health issues. This past weekend, Acoli's family made a plea for his release.
"It's time for him to be out. He needs to live his last days with his family," Acoli's niece Debra Fisher Haymon said.
"He has been a model prisoner. He has done the things that are required of him, and he's remained a positive and influential person," Acoli's niece Sondra Fisher said.
Attorneys say once Acoli is officially released, he plans to live in New York City with his daughter, nieces and grandchildren.
In 1996, New Jersey passed a law ensuring anyone who murders an officer on duty will receive life in prison without the possibility of parole. That does not apply to Acoli because he was sentenced before the law passed.
