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."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

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.