John Lennon's killer Mark David Chapman has been denied parole for a fifth time.
The New York State Division of Parole aforementioned in a statement that the 53-year-old's request for parole was denied "due to care for the public safety device and welfare".
Chapman is currently service of process a sentence of 20 years to life for shooting and killing Lennon as he arrived at his flat in New York on 8 December, 1980.
The control panel said: "Your conduct thusly precipitated a horrendously tragic event which has wedged many individuals.
"Your discretionary press release at this time would thus non be compatible with the welfare of society at large, and would tend to vilipend the earnestness of the instant offense, and undermine respect for the law."
According to Reuters, Heather Groll, spokesperson for the New York State Division of Parole, aforesaid the plank received a petition with about 1,100 signatures and close to 50 letters opposing Chapman's release and three letters supporting his release.
Chapman, wHO was as well denied parole in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006, may apply for parole again in 2010.
Erik Kriss, spokesman for the New York State Department of Correctional Services, said that Chapman was being held in a special quarantined housing unit away from the general prison population because of fears for his safety.
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