John Lennon's killer denied parole again by Magdalena Rosova

Mark David Chapman, killer of John Lennon, was denied parole for a fifth time on Tuesday. Chapman will stay in New York's Attica Correctional Facility for at least two more years for shutting down the former Beatle three decades ago. Parole board accepted Chapman a threat to society.

Chapman, 53, has been in prison for 27 years, since pleading guilty. He admitted committing the murder to gain attention.

In Tuesday decision Chapman’s parole was denied "due to concern for the public safety and welfare. “ Even though since 1994 he has had a clean disciplinary record, during the hearing he told board members he planned and conducted Lennon’s murder "with an essentially clear mind." Because of that the board said his releasing is not in the interest of the society.

A transcript of the 36-minute hearing was not immediately available, according to instructions of two parole board members.

Chapman fired five shots outside apartment building where Lennon lived with his wife Yoko Ono on December 8, 1980. Lennon was hit four times in front of his wire and others.

Ono didn’t give any testimony in Chapman’s hearing, although she has written the parole board arguing against his release previously. Her lawyer, Peter Shukat only commented, "She was very pleased at the division of parole's decision."

Letters were sent by fifty people and a petition was signed by 1,100 people opposing Chapman’s release. Only three people wrote that he be set free.

Chapman’s next hearing before board is planned for August 2010.



related story: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/08/12/2008-08-12_mark_david_chapman_john_lennons_killer_d.html

by Magdalena Rosova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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posted by Lucia Adamova