Turn of Phrase - No Parole for Lennon's Killer

Mark David Chapman
Photo: Reuters / NYCPD

"Despite your positive efforts while incarcerated, your release at this time would greatly undermine respect for the law and tend to trivialize the tragic loss of life which you caused as a result of this heinous, unprovoked, violent, cold and calculated crime."

- From Sally Thompson, deciding member at the parole board hearing of convicted murderer Mark David Chapman.

Thirty-two years ago Mark David Chapman killed John Lennon, shooting him four times in the back outside the musician's New York City apartment. The state's Department of Corrections has just announced that Chapman, who was sentenced 20 years to life, has been denied parole a seventh consecutive time.

What if John Lennon had lived? Just imagine.