Mark David Chapman Denied Parole

Mark David Chapman, the man who killed John Lennon, was denied parole for the sixth time today.

I have to wonder: he has already been in jail for the better part of 30 years (the 'anniversary' will be in December). Had he killed someone less famous - just a passer-by, say - would he not have served just 5 or 10?

His actual sentence was ''20 years to life''.

Quotes from the article:

The last time Chapman was up for parole, in 2008, the New York State Division of Parole issued a release saying his request was denied 'due to concern for the public safety and welfare'.

Texan-born Chapman has his own prison cell but spends most of his day working on housekeeping and in the library, the officials said.

For the past 20 years he has been allowed conjugal visits with his wife, Gloria.

The visits are part of a state program called 'family reunion' that allows inmates to spend up to 44 hours at a time with family members in a special setting.

Inmates must meet certain criteria to receive the privilege.

Chapman has not had an infraction since 1994, said Erik Kriss, spokesman for the Department of Corrections said last month.

'He goes about his business, doing his prison job and without any fanfare,' Kriss said.

Doesn't seem like the most dangerous man to me. Especially in the U.S. in this day and age, where, should he be released, his face would be on every single lamp post of whichever town he'd decide to settle in, and someone would probably be watching him 24/7 - possibly someone crazier than he is.