Mark David Chapman - Parole Applications and Campaigns

Parole Applications and Campaigns

As a result of his sentence of 20 years to life in prison, Chapman first became eligible for parole in 2000 and, if denied, he is entitled to a hearing every two years. Chapman has been denied parole seven times by a three-member board since then, most recently in August 2012. Prior to his first hearing, Yoko Ono sent a letter to the board opposing the release of Chapman. In addition, State Senator Michael Nozzolio, chairman of the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, wrote to Parole Board Chairman Brion Travis saying that "It is the responsibility of the New York State Parole Board to ensure that public safety is protected from the release of dangerous criminals like Chapman."

At the 50-minute hearing in 2000, Chapman claimed that he was not a danger to society. The parole board concluded that releasing Chapman at that time would "deprecate the seriousness of the crime and serve to undermine respect for the law" and that Chapman's granting of media interviews represented a continued interest in "maintaining your notoriety." They noted that although Chapman had a "good disciplinary record" while in prison, he had been in the SHU and didn't access "anti-violence and/or anti-aggression programming." Robert Gangi, a lawyer for the Correctional Association of New York, said he thought it unlikely Chapman would ever be freed because the board would not risk the "political heat" of releasing Lennon's killer. In 2002, the parole board stated again that releasing Chapman after 22 years in prison would "deprecate the seriousness" of the crime, and that while his behavioral record continued to be positive, it was no predictor of his community behavior. The parole board held a third hearing in 2004, and reported that their decision was based on the interview, a review of records and deliberation. The board declined parole again. One of the reasons given by the board was having subjected Ono to "monumental suffering by her witnessing the crime." Around 6,000 people had signed an online petition against Chapman's release by this time. Lennon fans were threatening retribution if he were to be released.

In October 2006, the parole board held a 16-minute hearing and concluded that his release would not be in the best interest of the community or his own personal safety. On December 8, 2006, the 26th anniversary of Lennon's death, Yoko Ono published a one-page advertisement in several newspapers saying that, while December 8 should be a "day of forgiveness," she had not yet forgiven Chapman and was not sure if she was ready to yet. Chapman's fifth hearing was on August 12, 2008. He was again denied parole "due to concern for the public safety and welfare." On July 27, 2010, in advance of Chapman's scheduled sixth parole hearing, Ono said that she would again oppose parole for Chapman stating that her safety and that of John's sons would be at risk, as would Chapman's. She added "I am afraid it will bring back the nightmare, the chaos and confusion (of that night) once again." On August 11, 2010, the parole board postponed the hearing until September, stating that it was awaiting the receipt of additional information to complete Chapman's record. On September 7, the board denied Chapman's latest parole application, with the panel stating "release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community."

It was announced on August 18, 2012, that Chapman would have his seventh parole hearing the week beginning August 20. On August 23, Chapman was denied parole by a three-member board who stated "Despite your positive efforts while incarcerated, your release at this time would greatly undermine respect for the law and tend to trivialize the tragic loss of life which you caused as a result of this heinous, unprovoked, violent, cold and calculated crime". He may apply for his next hearing in 2014.