John Lennon's killer is really sorry he was 'such an idiot'

Mark David Chapman, the man who killed John Lennon, is really sorry for the pain he caused Lennon and his family.

The imprisoned Chapman, 59, told a parole board at the Wende Correctional Facility in Buffalo, New York, that he is sorry "for being such an idiot and choosing the wrong way for glory." The board denied him release.

"Many, many people loved him. He was a great and talented man and they are still hurting," Chapman said. "I get letters so that's a major factor. It's not a regular crime."

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Chapman fired five shots outside John Lennon's Manhattan apartment on Dec. 8, 1980, four of which struck Lennon in the back. Chapman pled guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison in 1981. He will be eligible to apply for release from prison again in two years.