John Lennon’s Killer Denied Parole For Fourth Time

ATTICA, N.Y. (October 10, 2006) — John Lennon’s killer was denied parole for a fourth time Tuesday because of the “bizarre nature” of his crime.

Mark David Chapman, 51, must remain at Attica Correctional Facility for at least two more years for gunning down the former Beatle outside his Manhattan apartment building in 1980.

“The panel remains concerned about the bizarre nature of this premeditated and violent crime,” the board wrote in a one-page decision issued shortly after Chapman’s appearance before the three-member panel at Attica.

The hearing lasted 16 minutes, said Scott Steinhardt, spokesman for the state Division of Parole. A transcript of the hearing was not immediately available.

“While the panel notes your satisfactory institutional adjustment,” the decision said, “due to the extremely violent nature of the offense, your release would not be in the best interest of the community.”

The decision came one day after what would have been Lennon’s 66th birthday.

Chapman has been in prison for 25 years. He became eligible for release after serving 20 years of a maximum life sentence. His next appearance before the parole board will be in October 2008.