Assata Shakur, a member of the Black Liberation Army who escaped prison after she was convicted of killing a New Jersey State Trooper, has died in Cuba, where she’s lived in exile for close to 50 years, according to a statement by the Cuban government. She was 78.

Shakur, known by law enforcement as Joanne Chesimard, was convicted of first-degree murder in 1977 for the killing of State Trooper Werner Foerster who pulled her and fellow BLA members over during a traffic stop in May 1973, according to the FBI. She escaped from prison in 1979 and had been a fugitive ever since.

While lionized by some civil rights leaders and critics of police abuse, Shakur's escape has roiled authorities in New Jersey who feel more should have been done to bring her back to the U.S. and serve her prison term.

"Unlike his killer, Trooper Foerster never had a chance to live out his days in peace," Gov. Phil Murphy said in a social media post Friday. "We are committed to honoring his sacrifice."

State Attorney General Matt Platkin offered a similar sentiment: "While today brings some measure of closure, it can never erase the pain or bring true justice."

Shakur and accomplices opened fire on the troopers, killing Foerster and injuring another, officials said at the time. Shakur claimed an officer fired first. There's never been an independent review of Shakur's case.

Shakur fled, but was eventually apprehended and convicted in 1977 of first-degree murder, assault and battery of a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill, illegal possession of a weapon, and armed robbery.

She was serving a life sentence at the now shuttered Clinton Correctional Facility for Women, when, according to the FBI, members of the Black Liberation Army conducted an armed raid on the facility and managed her escape.

Officials said she lived underground and in 1984 was located in Cuba where she remained for the rest of her life.

Shakur’s daughter, Kakuya Shakur, confirmed the news of her mother's death on social media.

"Words cannot describe the depth of loss that I am feeling at this time,” she said. “My spirit is overflowing in unison with all of you who are grieving with me at this time.”

This story has been updated with additional comment.