John Lennon's killer wants Yoko Ono's forgiveness

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This was published 9 years ago

John Lennon's killer wants Yoko Ono's forgiveness

John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman wants The Beatles legend's widow Yoko Ono to forgive him for murdering the star.

Chapman shot Lennon four times outside his home at the Dakota building in New York in December, 1980, plunging fans of the band into mourning.

An old mug-shot of Mark David Chapman, who shot and killed John Lennon.

An old mug-shot of Mark David Chapman, who shot and killed John Lennon.Credit: Reuters

He was sentenced to 20 years-to-life in prison and has been refused parole on several occasions following pleas from Ono to keep him behind bars, but now it has emerged Chapman is hoping for forgiveness from Lennon's widow.

He and his wife Gloria have even written letters to Ono in a desperate bid to salve his conscience over the shocking murder.

John Lennon (1940 - 1980) with Yoko Ono, December 1968.

John Lennon (1940 - 1980) with Yoko Ono, December 1968.Credit: Getty Images

In an interview with Britain's Daily Mail newspaper, Gloria Chapman says, "If Mark could say anything to John and Yoko now, he would say: 'I'm sorry I caused such pain'. He would say: 'I hope you have forgiven me'...

"John was a nice person but Mark wasn't thinking about that that day, and put himself first. That was his mistake."

Chapman's wife also reveals she and her husband often talk about Lennon when she visits him in prison in New York, adding, "We do talk about Lennon at times. There is nothing I can't discuss with Mark. We spoke about him during my last visit in October. And we prayed for Yoko... I feel for her. One thing we prayed for is that she finds Jesus Christ in her life and to find forgiveness for Mark. I hope some day I could meet her and express that.

"Mark and I both wrote letters to her. He isn't angry or upset that she has pleaded with judges not to release him. I think he understands."

She also responded to recent remarks from Sir Paul McCartney that Lennon's killer was "the jerk of all jerks" and bizarrely suggested the former Beatles star should visit his bandmate's murderer in prison, adding, "Paul McCartney has a right to say what he wants, but if he was to meet Mark, I think he would like him. Mark is a very likeable and loving person. He always puts other people's needs before his own and would welcome a visit from Mr. McCartney."

WENN

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