Gov. Chris Christie sent President Obama a letter urging him to demand that the Cuban government return Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted of killing a state trooper, to New Jersey before normalizing relations.

Chesimard was convicted of killing State Trooper Werner Foerster and seriously wounding Trooper James Harper in May of 1973.

Here is an excerpt from the letter:

“I do not share your view that restoring diplomatic relations without a clear commitment from the Cuban government of the steps they will take to reverse decades of human rights violations will result in a better and more just Cuba for its people.

“However, despite my profound disagreement with this decision, I believe there is an opportunity for Cuba and its government to show the American people it is serious about change. …

“Cuba’s provision of safe harbor to Chesimard by providing political asylum to a convicted cop killer, and her ability to elude justice, is an affront to every resident of our state, our country, and in particular, the men and women of the New Jersey State Police, who have tirelessly tried to bring this killer back to justice. I urge you to demand the immediate return of Chesimard before any further consideration of restoration of diplomatic relations with the Cuban Government. …

“If, as you assert, Cuba is serious about embracing democratic principles then this action would be an essential first step. I ask you to use this opportunity to engage with the Cuban government to get this resolved, and I am very disappointed that returning a convicted killer of a police officer was not already demanded and accomplished in the context of the steps you announced regarding this dictatorship.

“The family of her victims, like so many of those who have, and continue to suffer under the Castro regime, deserve this basic decency before further steps toward Cuba are taken by this government.”