Mark David Chapman, who shot dead John Lennon nearly 34 years ago, said he was "sorry" for being an "idiot."
Appearing before the New York state Parole Board Aug. 20, Chapman also stressed the fact that he had rediscovered his faith as he sought parole last week for the eighth time. The board did not comply with his appeal. The transcript of his hearing was released Wednesday.
"At that time, I wasn't thinking about anybody else, just me," Chapman said, according to the transcript published on Scribd by USA Today. "But now, you know, obviously through people's letters and through things I hear, a lot of people were affected here. I am sorry for causing that type of pain. I am sorry for being such an idiot and choosing the wrong way for glory."
The 40-year-old rock legend was shot dead by now 59-year-old Chapman outside Lennon's Dakota apartment on Manhattan's Upper West Side Dec. 8, 1980. Of the five shots fired, Lennon was struck with four. In 1981, Chapman was sentenced to 20 years of life imprisonment after he pled guilty to second-degree murder.
He told the parole board that he would understand if his appeal was denied because of the number of people hurt after Lennon's death. "Many, many people loved him. He was a great and talented man, and they are still hurting," said Chapman, Billboard reports, citing the Associated Press. "I get letters, so that's a major factor. It's not a regular crime."
Like his previous attempt for parole, Chapman pointed to his religious beliefs. He said his belief in God has helped him realize there's a choice between "crime and Christ."
Chapman is being held in Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, N.Y.
