Mark David Chapman
Assassin / Convict
On December 8, 1980, Mark David Chapman shot and killed musician John Lennon outside the Dakota Apartments in New York City. Chapman was a former security guard from Hawaii who came to New York specifically to attack the famous ex-Beatle. Though Chapman's lawyer initially entered a plea of insanity, Chapman later changed the plea to guilty. He was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison, a sentence which he is serving in New York's Attica prison. Chapman became eligible for parole in 2000, but has been denied parole in multiple hearings since then.Extra credit: When he killed Lennon, Chapman was carrying a copy of the J.D. Salinger book The Catcher In the Rye.
Related figures include John Hinckley, Jr., Arthur Bremer, Jack Ruby and Valerie Solanas.
Four Good Links
The Crime Library
Gossipy, multi-part history of Chapman's life and crime
In-Depth: Mark D. Chapman
Coverage from Court TV, with an emphasis on trial documents
Google News: Mark David Chapman
Guide to recent stories about (or mentioning) Chapman
The Dakota Apartments
Tourist-style photos of the site of Chapman's attack on Lennon
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
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Best Known As
The man who killed John Lennon
