An Unanswered Letter to Mark David Chapman

Christopher L. Jorgensen
P.O. Box 546
Ames, IA 50010

June 6, 2008

Mark David Chapman
c/o Attica Correctional Facility
Exchange St
Attica, New York 14011-0149

Dear Mr. Chapman,

In some sick way you are probably owed a debt of gratitude. You killed a man in his prime, but at least you did it before he had a chance to decline! John Lennon is the only Beatle that didn’t become some kind of embarrassment, a parody of himself and his past, unless you you count leaving Cynthia for Yoko (how dumb was that!).

My biggest quibble with what you did, other than killing a man whose very fecal matter you’re still unworthy of eating, is that you did it at a coward’s range. I mean, for the love of God, climb that tower. Impress people! Lee Harvey Oswald made an impossible shot under lots of pressure, and Charles Joseph Whitman racked up quite the count, but you got one guy who was close enough to spit on. Loser.

I really hope they let you out, since I’m pretty sure one of John’s fans is dying to return the favor!

I only have one question for you: do they let you read “Catcher in the Rye?” It’s a pretty good book. I read it. Never made me want to kill anyone though, you sick twisted fuck!

With utmost sincerity,

Christopher L. Jorgensen

p.s. “Attica! Attica! Attica!”