Does anyone think that Mark Chapman will ever be released from prison? I certainly hope not, but he's only 58 and gets a parole hearing every 2 years. I think he should have either gotten the death penalty or life without parole since his crime was premeditated. I feel bad for his family, they have to worry every 2 years that he might get out. I'm surprised that he hasn't been killed by another inmate since Lennon was so popular. The guy who shot George Wallace was release after serving about 35 years so you never know what could happen with Chapman.

I think he might get out when he's about 70-75, but possibly never. The public outrage is still strong, and it's also not clear that he won't do something again - and where will he be safe from all the people who want to kill him (not that I think that should be part of the consideration). He had planned to kill several famous people, and his 'statement' of Catcher in the Rye is deranged. Despite being ordered to have some mental health treatment in prison, I doubt very much that he changed his mindset, even if it's been under wraps all these years, while he's a model prisoner.

I don't think he will - there will always be ardent Lennon fans who will protest his release.

One never knows, the popularity of the victim should not be the reason for punishment, if others doing same crime gets parole, they should also.

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

One never knows, the popularity of the victim should not be the reason for punishment, if others doing same crime gets parole, they should also.

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True, but public outcry involves politics and clout from high places.

"One never knows, the popularity of the victim should not be the reason for punishment, if others doing same crime gets parole, they should also."

True, and that's why I said "I think." I do think high profile criminals have a lessor chance of release to the public's awareness and involvement. Not that he should ever get out and run around loose but Charles Manson is another example. Sharon Tate's family will never lose interest (for lack of another phrase) in keeping him in jail.