Crime Classification Manual

154 CRIME CLASSIFICATION MANUAL
Crime Scene Indicators
Although it is appeared that Chapman had planned to assassinate Lennon as
early as September 1980, he chose to approach Lennon and kill at close
range probably because Lennon was not easily accessible for a long-range
assassination. Chapman chose the common weapon of assassins, a firearm.
The weapon remained at the scene, as did Chapman (calmly reading Catcher
in the Rye by J. D. Salinger). Chapman had been a security guard at a Honolulu
condominium development; therefore, his weapon of choice was one
with which he was comfortable: a .38-ca1iber revolver. Ballistics confirmed
his responsibility for Lennon’s death.
Forensic Findings
Lennon died from massive blood loss as a result of the chest wounds he
sustained.
Investigation
In September 1980 Chapman sold a Norman Rockwell lithograph for
seventy-five-hundred dollars. He paid off a number of debts and kept five
thousand dollars for a “job” he had to do. He contacted the Federal Aviation
Administration to inquire about transporting his gun by plane.
Because Chapman was advised that the change in air pressure that his
baggage would be subjected to could damage the bullets, he opted to pack
his gun without bullets. When Chapman left his security guard job for the
final time, he signed the log “John Lennon.”
On October 29, he flew to New York from Honolulu, only to return in
frustration on November 12 or 13. He had been unable to gain access to
Lennon, who lived in New York City. He made an appointment at the Makiki
Mental Health Clinic but failed to keep it.
On December 6, Chapman returned to New York. Two days later, he
waited outside the Dakota apartment building for Lennon. At 4:30 P.M.
Lennon and his wife exited the building and were approached by Chapman,
who had a copy of Lennon’s recent album, Double Fantasy. Lennon autographed
it as Chapman held it out to him. Chapman then lingered at the
apartment entrance. When questioned by the doorman, he said he was waiting
to get Yoko Ono’s autograph. Chapman was well prepared for his wait in
weather much colder than he was accustomed to. He had on two pairs of long
underwear, a jacket, an overcoat, and a hat.
Chapman had apparently been building a fantasy life for several years
centered on John Lennon. He married a woman of Japanese descent