Mark David Chapman Research Paper

Seton Warren

Brit Lit Period 3

Mrs. Sitzman

November 20, 2015

“The Death of a Legend” John Lennon impacted the lives of many. His music touched the hearts of fans all around the world. But, with fame comes great risk. Mark David Chapman was a crazed fan of John Lennon. His obsession became dangerous and ended the life of the beloved former Beatle. On December 8th, 1980, Mark David Chapman assassinated John Lennon outside of his home in New York City. Mark David Chapman led a troubled life. He went from one low paying job to the next until he settled down in Honolulu in 1977. He had a history of mental illness. Chapman was burdened with depression for most of his life. He attempted suicide twice, but survived both times (Tracing). Friends of Chapman said that he was a fan of John Lennon since the 1960s. Chapman obsessively imitated Lennon. He constantly played John Lennon’s songs on his guitar. He also married an older Japanese woman like Lennon. Chapman taped Lennon’s name over his own on his identification tag at work (Tracing).

He then applied for a pistol permit at the Honolulu Police Department. Chapman did not have a criminal record and the permit was granted. He bought a five-shot Charter Arms .38 Special. The man that sold him the gun later described him as “just a normal dude” (Tracing).  Chapman left Honolulu without a trace. He did not tell his wife, Gloria, where he was going or what he was planning to do. On Saturday, December 6th, Chapman arrived in New York City. He checked into a cheap room at the YMCA only nine blocks away from the Dakota, the apartment complex where John Lennon lived