On August 24, Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of John Lennon. 1980 65438 On February 8, Chapman shot the legendary musician four times outside his New York home.
It was taken after getting the former Beatle's autograph earlier in the day, pictured on the right ("a very kind and decent man, he said"). Chapman came back that night and was waiting for John and Yoko to return from the studio. He watched the vigil and thumbed through his shabby book, The Catcher in the Rye.
Lennon got off the bus and walked toward his apartment building. Four of the 5.38 caliber hollow point bullets fired by Chapman penetrated Lennon's back, and the world lost one of the most influential voices of the late 20th century.
Chapman, 25, was charged with second-degree murder. (In New York, first-degree murder charges are limited to cop killers.) After his arrest, he underwent an extensive psychological evaluation. There was consensus that Chapman was delusional, but he was also deemed competent to stand trial.
This was a serious blow to Chapman's defense attorney, Jonathan Marks, who wanted his client to be found not guilty by reason of insanity. Chapman's hopes were further dashed on June 22 when he told Judge Dennis Edwards that God had told him to plead guilty. He said he would not change his defense or appeal regardless of the outcome. He said he had "serious questions" about Chapman's ability to make the decision and asked for further evaluation of Chapman's mental state. Judge Edwards dismissed all defense pleas, declaring the defendant voluntarily pleaded guilty and believed he was capable of doing so.
The sentencing hearing was held on August 24, 1981. Two psychiatrists testified for Chapman. Judge Edwards interrupted the second doctor to remind him that the defendant's mental issues had been resolved, so Chapman was not criminally responsible for Lennon's murder. This elicited applause from those present.
The district attorney claimed that Chapman murdered the world-famous and beloved Beatle in a tragic attempt to become as famous as Lennon. Years later, Chapman himself would admit that this was his sole motive for killing John Lennon. He is perhaps the best modern example of the heroic pursuit of fame—a man who commits crimes for the sake of fame.
Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He was also ordered to undergo psychological counseling while incarcerated. Chapman was turned down every time he appeared for a parole hearing. In 2004, Ono wrote before the parole board that she felt Chapman remained a threat to her family. She also said she believed Chapman was in great danger if released and that many Lennon fans had threatened to kill him over the years. It is reported that Chapman said of all this, "I now get everything I deserve for the pain and suffering I caused.""
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