On December 8, 1980, the world was left in shock when the famous Beatle John Lennon was shot and killed in the archway of the Dakota Building in New York City, where he lived. His killer, Mark David Chapman, remained at the scene until police arrived — but the real motive has remained unclear… until now.
After The Beatles split up, the “Fab Four” each embarked on different musical journeys. George Harrison explored Indian culture, Paul McCartney founded Wings, and John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, moved to New York to promote peace through music.
Lennon released several albums throughout the 1970s. After taking a five-year break to raise his son Sean, he returned with Double Fantasy, released in late November 1980. Sadly, it would be the last album he ever released during his lifetime.
On a cold winter night, December 8, 1980, Lennon left his apartment at the Dakota to head to his recording studio. Outside the building, a fan approached him to ask for an autograph on a copy of Double Fantasy.
Lennon, as always, kindly agreed — not knowing it would be the last time he left his home alive. When he and Yoko Ono returned later that night, at around 10:50 p.m., Chapman was still waiting. He fired five shots, four of which struck the superstar.
Lennon collapsed at the entrance to the Dakota Building. Chapman didn’t flee. Instead, he removed his coat to show he was unarmed and began reading his copy of The Catcher in the Rye until police arrived.
Mark David Chapman reveals why he shot and killed John Lennon
Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. In August, he was denied parole for the 14th time. Over the years, Chapman has expressed remorse for the murder. “I knew what I was doing, and I knew it was evil. I knew it was wrong, but I wanted the fame so much that I was willing to give everything and take a human life,” he told a parole board three years ago.
Now, new details from his most recent parole hearing have surfaced. According to the NY Post, Chapman admitted he had planned to kill Lennon earlier.
On August 28, he told the board that he had traveled to New York from Hawaii months earlier and waited outside the Dakota, hoping to see Lennon — but never did.
Chapman, who was obsessed with The Catcher in the Rye and its protagonist Holden Caulfield, said he returned two months later “after the compulsion started building again.”
“That morning of the 8th, I just knew. I don’t know how I knew, but I just knew that was going to be the day that I was going to meet and kill him,” Chapman said, according to the NY Post.
“Here I am living so much longer — and not just family, but his friends and fans — I apologize for the devastation I caused you, for the agony they must have gone through. I had no thought about that at all at the time of the crime. I didn’t care.”
Parole board says Chapman still lacks “genuine remorse or meaningful empathy”
Although Chapman once said he wanted fame, he now claims he has “no interest at all” in attention.
“Put me under the rug somewhere. I don’t want to be famous anymore. Period,” he said.
However, the parole board didn’t buy his story, stating that he still lacks “genuine remorse or meaningful empathy” for his victims. Chapman will next be eligible for parole in 2027.
Rest in peace, John Lennon. What’s your favorite song of John’s? Please share your thoughts and memories of the legendary musician in the comment section on Facebook.
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