​Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life back in 1981, after fatally shooting Lennon four times at his New York home in December 1980. Transcripts from his eighth parole hearing quote Chapman as telling officers that he’s “sorry for causing that type of pain”.

He added: “Many, many people loved him. He was a great and talented man and they are still hurting. I get letters so that’s a major factor. It’s not a regular crime.”

The board rejected Chapman’s appeal for parole, saying that his release would “so deprecate the serious nature of the crime as to undermine respect for the law.”

[via The Independent]