Today in History - John Lennon’s killer sentenced

CAIRO – 24 August 2017: August 24, 1981 is the day that John Lennon's murderer, Mark David Chapman, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for the murder of The Beatle's founding member and social activist. The circumstances surrounding Lennon's death are still unclear to this day, particularly when it comes to the most pressing question surrounding the crime; why?

The crime occurred on December 8, 1980, right outside Lennon's home in New York City. He was accompanied by his wife, Yoko Ono. Ironically, Chapman was a huge fan of the Beatles, and had even asked Lennon for an autograph earlier the day. The Beatles had broken up by then, and Lennon was more focused on his family, solo career and social activism.

Chapman had asked Lennon to autograph his copy of ‘Double Fantasy,’ the album Lennon produced alongside his wife, in what was to be his last released album. Chapman had waited for Lennon like a predator, and according to Metro, he had been stalking Lennon for months, carefully planning the assassination. Chapman had flown in all the way from Hawaii.

Lennon was shot four times in the back and rushed to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Ono was there when the crime occurred, only able to watch helplessly. Chapman took his coat off and waited patiently for the police to arrive. He first claimed not guilty on plea of insanity, but later rescinded the claim and admitted to second degree murder.

Recently, Chapman attempted to appeal for another parole in 2016, which was denied according to the Telegraph. He told the parole board that he had a “sociopathic mind,” and had killed Lennon in order to become famous.

Unfortunately for Chapman, Lennon continues to live on in the hearts of millions worldwide, while he rots away in the darkest part of histroy.