John Lennon’s killer Mark David Chapman says he’s sorry for murdering the beloved member of the Beatles.

Mark David Chapman Says 'Sorry'

Chapman, 59, offerred an apology before a parole board last week to atone for killing Lennon nearly 34 years ago.

"I am sorry for causing that type of pain," Mark David Chapman told a parole board last week, according to a transcript released Wednesday. "I am sorry for being such an idiot and choosing the wrong way for glory."

Chapman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Lennon's shooting death. He was subsequently sentenced to 20 yeas to life behind bars. His appearance before the parole board last week marks the eighth time he's tried to achieve a release from prison.

The three-member panel of the parole board declined to release Chapman once again on the grounds that to do so would "so deprecate the serious nature of the crime as to undermine respect for the law."

On Dec. 8, 1980, Chapman fired five shots at Lennon outside of the Dakota apartment building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in which Lennon had lived with his wife Yoko Ono. Four of the bullets found Lennon, causing his death.

_{John Lennon & wife Yoko Ono in 1980}

In his statement, Chapman acknowledged that by murdering Lennon, he affected a large number of people. He also revealed that more than 30 years after the murder, suriving fans of the singer and songwriter continue to write him letters, condemning him of his crime.

"Many, many people loved him. He was a great and talented man and they are still hurting," Chapman said. "I get letters so that's a major factor. It's not a regular crime."

Chapman can seek release for a ninth time in two years.