Cheryl JJohn Lennon's killer denied parole for the fifth time
August 14th 2008 00:20
Mark David Chapman, imprisoned in 1981 for murdering former Beatle John Lennon outside his Manhattan apartment in December 1980, has been denied parole for a fifth time.
On Tuesday the New York State Division of Parole said in a statement that the 53-year-old's request for parole was denied "due to concern for the public safety and welfare." Chapman is serving a sentence of 20 years to life for shooting and killing Lennon as he and his wife, Yoko Ono, arrived at their apartment building on December 8, 1980.
Lennon's widow Yoko Ono has repeatedly opposed his release and recommended he remain behind bars for the rest of his life. Ono was not immediately available for comment on Chapman's parole denial.
In 1990 he expressed remorse for the murder and his disciplinary record had been clean since October 1994, but board members noted that during his parole interview, he stated that he planned and executed "the premeditated slaying of John Lennon with an essentially clear mind.” The board said he still had the same desire for "fame and notoriety" that led to the murder.
"Your conduct thus precipitated a horrendously tragic event which has impacted many individuals," the board said. "Your discretionary release at this time would thus not be compatible with the welfare of society at large, and would tend to deprecate the seriousness of the instant offense, and undermine respect for the law."
Heather Groll, spokeswoman for the New York State Division of Parole, said the board received a petition with about 1,100 signatures and about 50 letters opposing Chapman's release and three letters supporting his release.
Chapman is serving his time in Attica maximum security prison in New York state, where has been separated from other prisoners because of concerns for his safety. He was also denied parole in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. He may apply for parole again in 2010.
Erik Kriss, spokesman for the New York State Department of Correctional Services, told Reuters that Chapman was being held in a special isolated housing unit away from the general prison population because of fears for his safety.
Chapman has a certificate in legal research and helps other inmates with research in a small law library separate from the main prison library, Kriss said. He also works as a porter and cleans some administrative areas.
Kriss said Chapman has also been part of the prison's "family reunion" program, which has allowed him conjugal visits with his wife for the past 16 years.
NEW YORK (Reuters)
On Tuesday the New York State Division of Parole said in a statement that the 53-year-old's request for parole was denied "due to concern for the public safety and welfare." Chapman is serving a sentence of 20 years to life for shooting and killing Lennon as he and his wife, Yoko Ono, arrived at their apartment building on December 8, 1980.
Lennon's widow Yoko Ono has repeatedly opposed his release and recommended he remain behind bars for the rest of his life. Ono was not immediately available for comment on Chapman's parole denial.
In 1990 he expressed remorse for the murder and his disciplinary record had been clean since October 1994, but board members noted that during his parole interview, he stated that he planned and executed "the premeditated slaying of John Lennon with an essentially clear mind.” The board said he still had the same desire for "fame and notoriety" that led to the murder.
"Your conduct thus precipitated a horrendously tragic event which has impacted many individuals," the board said. "Your discretionary release at this time would thus not be compatible with the welfare of society at large, and would tend to deprecate the seriousness of the instant offense, and undermine respect for the law."
Heather Groll, spokeswoman for the New York State Division of Parole, said the board received a petition with about 1,100 signatures and about 50 letters opposing Chapman's release and three letters supporting his release.
Chapman is serving his time in Attica maximum security prison in New York state, where has been separated from other prisoners because of concerns for his safety. He was also denied parole in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. He may apply for parole again in 2010.
Erik Kriss, spokesman for the New York State Department of Correctional Services, told Reuters that Chapman was being held in a special isolated housing unit away from the general prison population because of fears for his safety.
Chapman has a certificate in legal research and helps other inmates with research in a small law library separate from the main prison library, Kriss said. He also works as a porter and cleans some administrative areas.
Kriss said Chapman has also been part of the prison's "family reunion" program, which has allowed him conjugal visits with his wife for the past 16 years.
NEW YORK (Reuters)
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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I hazard a guess he's a lot safer where he is than being on the outside.
Comment by Cheryl J
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Hi Johnny, I thought the same thing. I did quite a bit of reading when I wrote this and a number of psychiatrists said he wasn't fit to stand trial but the judge was adamant. I have read many things Mark David Chapman has written and I think he has severe mental issues.
Hello Hatchy. I agree that the law should be followed but I think he has made statements in his parole hearings that have left the board with the opinion that he is still a danger to society and in that case I think he should be kept in. His sentence was 20 years to life which means that they can keep him there for the term of his natural life if they deem him dangerous.
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Comment by Lilla
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d'you know, I am still not sure what this man's motives were, nor that the Conspiracy Theory (Mel Gibson) didn;t come close to the bone here ... however, I honestly think, this poor feelow will never see the outside again.
I can't say that makes me sad or happy.
Lilla ...
Comment by Cheryl J
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I think there were definitely some mental health issues involved. I highly doubt he will see the outside of the prison walls. I'm neither happy nor sad about it either. I am glad to see that at least they seem to basing the parole decision on whether of not he still presents a danger to society.
Thanks for stopping by.