Denied parole for the 3rd time, John Lennon’s killer won’t be walking free anytime soon. The parole board met, heard his case, and shut him down again.
Why the Board Said No
The decision wasn’t just about punishment. It was about safety. Yoko Ono, who witnessed her husband’s murder, still carries that trauma. She pleaded with the board, saying his release would bring more pain, not just to her, but to the world. There’s also the undeniable truth: many Lennon fans still want revenge. Letting him out could turn into a disaster.
Over 6,000 signed a petition demanding he stay behind bars. The board reviewed letters, examined records, and questioned him in a tense 29-minute interview. In the end, they saw no reason to let him go.
A Crime That Still HauntsThe New York State Parole Division called his actions “extreme malice.” He didn’t just shoot Lennon once—he kept firing. Even now, decades later, the world still feels the loss.
Twisted JustificationWhen asked why he did it, he gave the same disturbing excuse: he wanted fame. The board didn’t buy it. They called his reasoning “abhorrent” and showed no sympathy.
Denied parole for the 3rd time
For now, he stays in Attica Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Buffalo, New York. He’ll get another chance to plead his case in October 2006, but the odds aren’t in his favour.
This decision won’t bring Lennon back. It won’t erase the grief. But for Yoko, for his friends, and for the millions who still mourn him, it might bring a little peace.
Declaration
In writing about John Lennon’s death, I intend to pay tribute to him. His tragic death reverberates around the world, and the name of his killer is known around the world.
However, F!A!R have chosen not to mention the killer name.
There are several reasons why we should not name a killer.
First, it may increase their fame and attention, which may lead to copycats or other violent acts. A 2018 study published in the journal Crime & Delinquency found a correlation between media attention to killers and subsequent increases in similar offences. The study also found that high-profile killers often serve long prison sentences, which increases the likelihood of them planning future crimes.
Second, it may cause more suffering for victims and their families. Victims may feel objectified or ostracized, while the bereaved may feel distressed and violated.
For these reasons, F!A!R use the term killer rather than mentioning him directly.
