John Lennon’s killer seeks parole after being denied six times

David Chapman, 57, is serving a prison sentence of 20 years to life for shooting John Lennon, Beatle British singer-songwriter, four times in the back outside the musician’s New York City apartment building on December 8, 1980. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Chapman was denied parole in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. He was last up for parole in 2010 but was denied because his “discretionary release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community.”

David Chapman made his seventh attempt at parole Wednesday at Wende Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Alden, New York where he is currently being held. He is in protective custody in a single-person cell and is allowed out three hours per day.

Chapman was scheduled to be interviewed by two or three members of the parole board and it is not known when the board will hand down its decision.

Before the hearing, the parole division received dozens of letters arguing against Chapman’s release, including Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, who in previous years has submitted a letter requesting that parole be denied. Said she believed Chapman posed a risk to her, Lennon’s two sons, the public and himself. It is unknown whether or not Chapman has a criminal defense attorney.