John Lennon murderer denied parole for the 6th time

London (ANI): Mark David Chapman, who killed John Lennon, has been denied parole for the sixth time and will remain imprisoned for at least two more years, New York state officials have said. Chapman, 55, was denied release following a video interview with a parole panel.

Chapman, who has a history of mental illness, pleaded guilty to shooting the former Beatle to death on the street outside his New York City home in 1980. He is next eligible for a parole hearing in August 2012, officials said. In a written statement, the parole board acknowledged his institutional record, but cited the "disregard" he showed "for the norms of our society and the sanctity of human life" by carefully planning Lennon's murder.

"This premeditated, senseless and selfish act of tragic consequence... leads to the conclusion that your discretionary release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community," the BBC quoted the New York state parole board as writing.