John Lennon’s killer denied parole for sixth time

Mark David Chapman, who on 8 December 1980 shot and killed John Lennon, has been denied parole for the sixth time.

Chapman is being held at Attica Correctional Facility in New York State. Officials say he will remain imprisoned for at least two more years.

The 55-year-old was denied release for the sixth time following a video interview with a three-person parole board. Chapman, who has a history of mental illness, is next eligible for a parole hearing in August 2012.

Chapman had been scheduled to appear before the board last month, but officials postponed the hearing until additional information was available. Following the hearing they wrote to Chapman stating concerns about “the disregard you displayed for the norms of our society and the sanctity of human life when, after careful planning, you traveled to New York for the sole purpose of killing John Lennon.”

They added that Chapman’s “discretionary release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community.”

Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second degree murder, after shooting Lennon outside the Dakota building in New York City in 1980.

John Lennon would have turned 70 on 9 October 2010. Visit our John Lennon songs page, and stay tuned for a full section on his life and work.