John Lennon's Killer Denied Parole For The Sixth Time

Mark David Chapman, murderer of Beatles legend John Lennon, was denied parole for the sixth time this week. It has been nearly 30 years since Chapman fatally shot Lennon at the Dakota apartment building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on December 8, 1980.

The decision was handed down by the New York State Division of Parole. They interviewed Chapman via video conference from his current location in the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York.

Following the interview, the board told Chapman their decision was based on "the disregard you displayed for the norms of our society and the sanctity of human life when, after careful planning, you traveled to New York for the sole purpose of killing John Lennon."

As a result, the panel said, "Release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community."

Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, has vocally opposed each of Chapman's parole opportunities, arguing that he still might be a threat to her and her family.

Chapman will be eligible to apply for parole again in 2012.