Apology issued to Yoko Ono: John Lennon's assassin expresses regret
John Lennon's Killer, Mark David Chapman, Regrets His Actions During Parole Hearing
Mark David Chapman, the notorious gunman responsible for ending iconic musician John Lennon's life in 1980, expressed remorse during a recent parole hearing. This emotional plea came during his 11th application for release, which was, unsurprisingly, denied again.
Back in December 1980, Chapman ambush-killed Lennon in Manhattan. His motive? A desperate yearning for fame. After his apprehension, Chapman was given a life sentence with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years. Now, over four decades later, he continues to seek release from prison.
Flashing back to the hearing, Chapman acknowledged the gravity of his horrendous action. "I want to reiterate that I am sorry for my crime. I have no excuses," he stated. He honestly admitted that his heinous act against an innocent man was driven by a warped desire for fame.
During the emotional exchange, Chapman apologized to the Lennon family, confessing that he frequently grapples with guilt over the murder. He labeled his actions as excessively selfish and lamented the pain he caused to Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono.
As for his conduct within the prison, Chapman has maintained a clean record since 1994. He spends his days working as a clerk and orderly in a separate housing unit for his safety. Notably, the New York State Board of Parole recognized Chapman's personal growth and commendable use of time. However, they also emphasized that his selfish act denied millions the opportunity to be moved by the spellbinding music of this legendary artist.
Chapman can apply for parole once more in August 2022. There is no definitive date for his next hearing, but it would typically occur two years after his latest denial, assuming there are no unforeseen circumstances.
It's important to note that while Chapman has been repeatedly denied parole since 2000, there is some discrepancy regarding the exact number of times this has happened. Some sources state 13 rejections, while others suggest 12 through April 2025. Nonetheless, the next opportunity for Chapman to make his case for release lies just around the corner.
- Mark David Chapman, the notorious gunman who killed John Lennon, expressed regret during his 11th parole hearing for his motive of seeking fame.
- Chapman admitted during the hearing that he grapples with guilt over the horrendous act against the innocent musician, often expressing apologies to Lennon's family, especially Yoko Ono.
- Despite his continuous expressions of remorse, Chapman's parole has been repeatedly denied for over two decades, with sources suggesting either 12 or 13 rejections, including the latest one in 2022.
- Although his parole has been denied, the New York State Board of Parole acknowledged Chapman's personal growth and commendable use of time while serving out his life sentence in prison.
- Despite Chapman's criminal history and prolonged imprisonment, his case remains a topic of interest in general news, crime-and-justice, and entertainment sectors due to his notoriety as the killer of a legendary celebrity.
