John Lennon’s assassin Mark Chapman opens up, says he feels 'more and more shame'

Nearly 40 years have lapsed since John Lennon of The Beatles was gunned down by Mark Chapman, but the dark memory of that shocking incident continues to haunt the assassin. In a recent report in a leading daily, Mark Chapman opened up on his evil scheme that took down one of the world’s most popular musician. Mark has confessed that he is feeling "more and more shame" over his actions.

The Beatles was a band that was formed in the 1960’s and rose to worldwide fame with a boho underlining that aimed to bring about unity of humankind through their peace-propagating songs. However, unlike their songs about peace in the world, Lennon ironically succumbed to mankind’s violence.

Also Read | Lost Disney cartoon with Mickey Mouse's predecessor found in Japan

Mark, who was brought up in a radical, Presbyterian family then confessed in The Independent that despite his idolisation of Lennon, Mark was triggered by John’s controversial statement that he was even more famous than Jesus. He had told the law officers that he shot the Beatles legend outside his Manhattan apartment in 1980 because of Lennon’s controversial statement.

Mark now 63, is serving 20 years life term in the Wende Correctional Facility in New York. He till date has made his tenth unsuccessful bid for parole. His last plea was in August and a transcript of the hearing has now been released by New York prison officials, according to the Independent. 

"Thirty years ago, I couldn't say I felt shame and I know what shame is now. It's where you cover your face, you don't want to, you know, ask for anything," he said. 

Mark also told the parole board members about his devious deed. As a murderer and one of his biggest fans, he still thinks about how Lennon was "incredible”. He also said that his action to shoot Lennon was not done freely but had to struggle through an internal "tug of war" - whether to go ahead with the shooting.

Also Read | Each 'Game of Thrones' season eight episode to run longer than 60 mins

"I was too far in. I do remember having the thought of, 'Hey, you have got the album now. Look at this, he signed it, just go home.' But there was no way I was just going to go home," he added. 

Mark also insisted on validating his action, saying that he had no animosity for John despite him loading his gun with more lethal hollow-point bullets.

"I secured those bullets to make sure he would be dead. It was immediately after the crime that I was concerned that he did not suffer." Mark added. 

However, regarding the parole plea of Mark, the board of parole said releasing Mark would not only "tend to mitigate the seriousness of your crime" but also endanger public safety because of the avenging Lennon fans who are in wait for revenge or to gain notoriety.

Also Read | Indian tourists among world’s highest spenders abroad

Mark will be up for parole again in August 2020.