14 DAY TRIAL // Mark David Chapman, the man who killed Beatles singer John Lennon back in 1980, was on a parole hearing when he made the shocking statement. The man calls himself “an idiot” in a transcript that has just been released and goes on for 25 pages.
The NY Daily News claims that Chapman was denied his parole, for the eight time, despite the fact that he acknowledged his crime and expressed regret over the incident on numerous occasions. The report also shows how Chapman also often boasts about killing the rock star, emphasizing the “incredible” way in which he planned the crime and stalked Lennon.
A three-member parole board rejected his release from prison after all these years, thus sentencing him to remain at the Wende Correctional Facility to carry out the rest of his 20-to-life for the murder of John Lennon.
Chapman appeared in his plea remorseful and is quoted as saying that “I'm sorry for being such an idiot and choosing the wrong way for glory.” However, he admits that the crime was not something he did in the spur of the moment, but was rather a premeditated act. It's this part that he takes pride for “incredible planning, absolutely, incredible stalking.”
The reformed criminal confesses to still be haunted by the many letters he receives in prison from people who reveal how much John Lennon's murder hurt them and how much grief he caused them with his actions.
Chapman claims to have found some comfort and meaning in life after he turned to preaching the word of God to other inmates, and also by keeping busy in his life. He learned the trade of wheelchair repair and is now even making a 35th wedding anniversary present for his wife, “a gold cross with a ruby heart center.”
Mark points out that his thirst for notoriety is gone, the same thirst that drove him to commit the heinous murder, despite the fact that there are still temptations in his live, “Believe me, I am not interested in any press whatsoever at all, and there has been many times where I could have and very recently too. I won't mention names, but you would be surprised.”
As mentioned, the parole board denied him his application, leaving him in jail for at least two more years, when he can apply again. Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono repeatedly opposed his released over the years, claiming that he was still a threat to society.