Murderer of John Lennon Serving 40 Years Says "I Should Have Been Executed"

Lennon's Devoted Fan Kills Him at New York Apartment
Apologizes to Lennon's Wife... "Caused Pain"
11th Parole Request Denied... "Keeping Him Locked Up Benefits Society"

Mark David Chapman at the time he murdered John Lennon 40 years ago. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Mark David Chapman (65), who murdered Beatles member John Lennon and has been serving a prison sentence for 40 years, said, "I should have been executed at that time."

Foreign media including the BBC reported on the 22nd (local time) that Chapman expressed regret for killing Lennon during a parole hearing held last month by the New York State Department of Corrections.

The parole hearing records containing Chapman's statements were released the day before.

Chapman said, "I assassinated Lennon. Lennon was very famous at the time, and the only reason was that I pursued personal glory," adding, "I should have become a nobody (after killing Lennon)."

Chapman, who was an ardent fan of Lennon, visited Lennon's apartment in Manhattan, New York, on December 8, 1980.

Chapman handed Lennon the album 'Double Fantasy,' which Lennon had released at the time, and got it signed as Lennon was leaving the apartment. Five hours later, Chapman shot and killed Lennon as he was returning home.

Chapman expressed regret, saying, "Lennon was actually kind to me that day. My actions were selfish, chilling, and despicable."

John Lennon and Yoko Ono in their youth. Photo by Yoko Ono (Twitter capture)

He also apologized, saying he caused pain to Lennon's wife, Ono Yoko (87).

Chapman was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for 20 years in 1981 for the murder of Lennon and is currently incarcerated at Wende Correctional Facility in Buffalo, New York.

Since becoming eligible to apply for parole in 2000, Chapman has applied for parole 11 times up to this year, but all applications were denied.

Regarding the denial of Chapman's 11th parole application, the parole board stated, "Chapman caused tremendous shock to Lennon's family, the Beatles members, and the world. Keeping Chapman imprisoned benefits society."