There are some people whose crimes are so notorious that it is unlikely they will ever again see the light of day outside the confines of prison. Charles Manson comes to mind. So does Chapman. Chapman was the individual who brutally shot John Lennon to death at point blank range on Dec. 7, 1980 outside Lennon’s apartment building, the Dakota. Chapman has been eligible for parole a number of times already, and became eligible again this year. The opinion of Chapman on the part of the parole board has not changed. He was rejected parole again. No one could be arguing strenuously for his release any time soon.
No parole for Mark David Chapman
As outlined by ABC, Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He started his sentence in 1981, after pleading guilty to the second degree murder of John Lennon. He was first eligible for parole in 2000, but it was rejected. He has been able to reapply for early release every second year after that. He applied again for early release this year. . His parole has been opposed at each and every turn. Yoko Ono, the widow of Lennon, has strenuously opposed his release each time he has been a candidate.
The crazy man in the rye
One of the disturbing things about Mark David Chapman is his obsession with “The Catcher in the Rye,” by J.D. Salinger. The book, and the primary character Holden Caulfield, were claimed by Chapman to be the prime motivations for why he murdered one of the Beatles, and one of the greatest popular music figures of all time. Caulfield is an angry teenager, rebelling against the “phoniness” he finds in adult life and institutions. The book is associated with more than one assassin, though it has always been a popular work that is still required reading in some schools. For example, John Hinckley Jr. was also a fan of the book. He attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. However, that couldn’t be the only reason. Court appointed psychologists have repeatedly described Chapman as having dangerous mental health issues.
Perhaps this bird is better caged
Mark David Chapman’s crime was one of probably the most infamous incidents of the last 30 years. According to CNN, the parole board was not happy with Chapman’s state of mind. That is certainly a good reason not to parole him. He could be eligible for parole again. However, he may have to wait until 2012.
Further reading
CNN
cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/07/new.york.chapman.early release.hearing/index.html
ABC News
abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=11580349
