John Lennon's Killer Up for Parole Again: What Would John Want?

Thirty years after he shot and killed former Beatle, John Lennon, while clutching a copy of the book Catcher in the Rye, Mark David Chapman is making his sixth plea for parole. The murder took place on December 8, 1980 in front of Lennon's apartment building in Manhattan and rocked the world with grief. In a previous parole attempt Chapman argued that Lennon, a well-known peace advocate, would want him released.

55- year-old Chapman is being held in upstate New York's Attica prison on a 20-year-to-life sentence. For his own safety, he is kept from the general prison population.

Would Lennon vote for his Killer's Parole?

Although Lennon was well known for his anti-war, pro-peace stance, I have to say no. Lennon was also a family man who deeply loved his wife and children. I don't feel Lennon would want their loss to be compounded by fear of the madman who murdered him being loose on the streets. Being an advocate for peace and second chances is a long way from wanting chaos and mayhem released on the public. Lennon would also realize that releasing Chapman would likely be signing his death warrent. Too many over-the-top fans have expressed their wishes to harm Chapman. The assasination of Lennon's assasin would correct no wrongs; it would only add to the tragedy. Lennon would not want that.

Of course, we will never know what Lennon would want and we'll never know what contributions he could have made to the world had he lived.

Yoko Ono fights Mark David Chapman's parole attempts

Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, has submitted a letter to the parole board every two years since 2000 when Chapman first became eligible for parole pleading the board to deny his release. She is reported as writing she fears the chaos and confusion the release of the murderer could cause. She also fears for her safety and the safety of Lennon's two sons if Chapman is released. She is again fighting the notorious killer's parole.

Will Mark David Chapman win parole?

The parole hearing will be conducted by a three member panel the week of August ninth. Robert Gangi, head of the prisoners' rights group, Correctional Association of America, has said for his own safety, it is unlikely Chapman will be released. He is notorious for the murder of one of the world's most beloved musicians and public outrage at his release would likely be tremendous.

John Lennon would be 70-years-old this October. Imagine that.

Sources:

http://content.usatoday.com/

http://www.nydailynews.com/