John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman denied parole

Parole Denied For John Lennon's Killer
Parole Denied For John Lennon's Killer

Mark David Chapman, 61, the convicted murderer of John Lennon, was denied parole today for the ninth time, reported the New York Daily News. The paper said a three-man met denied parole for an unspecified reason earlier this week. He'll be eligible again in two years. There had been earlier reports by the paper that five letters recommending his parole this year had been received by the board. But the paper also said Yoko Ono had written the board opposing it.

In 2014 at his last hearing, he claimed to have found Jesus and said he was an "idiot" for killing Lennon, according to CNN. He also said he was "confused" and "needed a lot of attention at that time, and I took it out on him."

PHOTOS: John Lennon's killer

Chapman shot Lennon in front of the Beatle's home at the Dakota in New York City on Dec. 8, 1980 while returning from a recording session with his wife, Yoko Ono. He was taken to Roosevelt Hospital, but was dead on arrival, according to a report by ABC News. A memorial that was attended by thousands of fans was held Dec. 14 at which Ono requested 10 minutes of silence be observed. Strawberry Fields, a tribute to the Beatle in the city's Central Park, was opened in 1985. Ono has a website, Imagine Peace, dedicated to him.

PHOTOS: John Lennon's life in photos

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