Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Why Was John Lennon's Killer Transferred To Another Prison After 31 Years?


By

Jen Carlson

Published May 16, 2012

Modified May 16, 2012


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Carlson

Published May 16, 2012

Modified May 16, 2012


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Yesterday the killer of former Beatle John Lennon was transferred to a new correctional facility. Mark David Chapman has been at Attica for 31 years, but yesterday the 57-year-old murderer was moved to Wende, which is 18 miles away in Alden, NY. According to Peter Cutler, a spokesman for the state's prison and parole system, "this is an unusual move after such a lengthy stay in one facility."

Cutler talked to the Buffalo News, saying that the prison system "doesn't disclose the specific reasons why an inmate may be transferred" to a new facility.

Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life after murdering Lennon outside of his home at the Dakota in 1980, and was placed in Attica after spending a very short time at Sing Sing. In 2010, just before he was denied parole for a 6th time, Yoko Ono stated that he is safer behind bars. She is expected to protest his parole again in August this year.

Tagged

attica

john lennon

mark david chapman

prison

transfer

wende


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony fall, NYPD says

Police say it's still unclear whether the pair jumped, fell or were pushed.

By

Brittany Kriegstein

Published Oct 6, 2026 at 7:28 a.m. ET


After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief

The Trump administration issued new guidance outlining a plan to replace expiring rental assistance vouchers with a new program.

By

David Brand

News

After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief

The Trump administration issued new guidance outlining a plan to replace expiring rental assistance vouchers with a new program.

By

David Brand


Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules

By

Samantha Max

Gatorade recall affects drinks sold in New York and New Jersey

By

Giulia Heyward

Gov. Hochul declares upstate NY measles outbreak a ‘disaster emergency’

By

Caroline Lewis


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .