/ 6 October 2004

John Lennon’s killer fails in parole bid

The man who shot former Beatle John Lennon nearly 24 years ago has again failed to convince a New York parole board that he was ready for early release from prison. Mark Chapman (49) was returned to Attica State Prison after the three-man panel on Tuesday ruled an early release would undermine respect for law and order.

The man who shot former Beatle John Lennon nearly 24 years ago has again failed to convince a New York parole board that he was ready for early release from prison.

Mark Chapman (49) was returned to Attica State Prison after the three-man panel on Tuesday ruled an early release would undermine respect for law and order. The severity of the crime with ”extreme malicious intent” also was taken under consideration.

Following the shooting of Lennon outside his residence in New York City on December 8, 1980, Chapman was tried and sentenced to a term ranging from 20 years to life. He last applied for parole in 2002.

Yoko Ono, Lennon’s former wife, had submitted a written plea to the board arguing against clemency for Chapman. – Sapa-DPA