Yoko Ono Stills Says No To John Lennon’s Killer’s Plea For Parole

Mark David Chapman, the man who killed famous and beloved Beatles member, John Lennon, nearly 30 years ago has been serving his 20 years-to-life sentence has requested parole for the sixth time. However, Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono, a musician in her own right, is weighing in with the same opposition since Chapman became eligible for parole in 2000.

According to Reuters, a three member parole board panel are scheduled to interview and review Chapman’s bid again. Ono has been and will continue to be very adamant on how she feels about Chapman’s possible release by stating these personal concerns in her most recent letter:

“I am afraid it will bring back the nightmare, the chaos and confusion once again. Myself and John’s two sons would not feel safe for the rest of our lives.”

Ono’s lawyer, Peter Shukat, refused to tell The Daily News whether this is the same letter she send in every two years but he  does emphasize that Ono also fears for Chapman’s life if he were to be allowed out on the streets again.

Chapman’s had a few minor prison violations early on during his sentence but The Daily News also reports that his record has been clean since 1994. However, considering the fact that his name and image is infamous for taking the life of a music legend, this interview with Chapman will definitely not be taken lightly. In fact, Robert Gangi, head of the prisoners’ rights group, Correctional Association of America, doubts that parole will actually be granted mainly because of how the public will react if the board decides Chapman can roam into the real world again by providing the following statement:

“Given that he committed a high-profile crime and he killed one of the most famous and most beloved figures literally in the world, it’s highly unlikely three parole commissioners would vote to grant him release.”

Lennon would have turned 70 if he were still alive for his birthday in October. To celebrate his life, his catalog will be remastered and there will be a two-month festival in his honor over in London.

What do you think about Chapman’s bid for parole? Do you side with Ono?