John Lennon’s killer denied parole for fifth time

John Lennon’s killer has been denied parole for a fifth time due to “concern for the public safety and welfare”.

Mark Chapman, 53, murdered John Lennon in New York City on the night of 8 December 1980. He will remain in Attica prison, New York, for at least another two years, and is currently being held in an isolated unit away from other prisoners due to fears for his safety.

At a parole hearing Chapman told board members that he had planned the killing “with an essentially clear mind”.

The parole board acknowledged that Chapman had maintained a clean disciplinary record since 1994 but said his conduct had “precipitated a horrendously tragic event which has impacted many individuals. Your discretionary release at this time would thus not be compatible with the welfare of society at large.”

A lawyer for Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, said she was “very pleased” with the decision.

Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in August 1981. He was also denied parole in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006, and will be allowed to apply again in 2010.