Lennon's killer: 'I'm sorry for being such an idiot'

ALBANY, N.Y. — Mark David Chapman said he acted like "an idiot" when he killed John Lennon 34 years ago, emphasizing his rediscovered religious faith as he sought parole last week for the eighth time.

Chapman, who is being held in Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, N.Y., expressed remorse as he appeared Aug. 20 before the New York state Parole Board. The board turned down Chapman's request last week, but a 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. "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."

Chapman, 59, fired five shots on Dec. 8, 1980, outside the Dakota apartment house where Lennon lived on Manhattan's Upper West Side, striking the ex-Beatle four times. After pleading guilty to second-degree murder, Chapman was sentenced in 1981 to 20 years to life in prison.

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."

"Sorry I got preachy, but that's what I am about, Jesus," Chapman told the Parole Board members. "Thank you very much for your time."

Ultimately, the three-member board denied Chapman's request, saying there is a "reasonable probability that (Chapman) would not live and remain at liberty without again violating the law." Chapman can next seek his release in 2016.

Campbell reports for the Gannett Albany (N.J.) bureau. Contributing: The Associated Press