Mark David Chapman, in prison for the murder of John Lennon, is up for parole for the seventh time, with a decision expected later this week, prison officials said Sunday.
The hearing is set to begin Tuesday and will last two to three days, New York state prison service spokeswoman Linda Foglia told Agence France-Presse, adding that she expects a decision “by the end of the week.”
Chapman, 57, was sentenced in 1981 to between 20 years and life in prison for Lennon’s murder Dec. 8, 1980, as the legendary singer-songwriter was walking with his wife, Yoko Ono, to their home by New York’s Central Park.
Chapman, who was mentally unstable and just 25 at the time, had staked out the musician’s apartment building. Earlier in the day, the musician had even autographed a copy of his latest album, “Double Fantasy,” for the man who would kill him.
Chapman eventually pleaded guilty to the murder, and is being held at the Wende maximum security prison in Alden, N.Y.
’San Franciso’ singer Scott McKenzie dies
Singer Scott McKenzie, who performed “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” — which became a hit in 1967 during the city’s “Summer of Love” — has died.
According to the Associated Press, a statement on Mr. McKenzie’s website said the 73-year-old died Saturday in Los Angeles. Mr. McKenzie battled Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease that affects the nervous system, and had been in and out of the hospital since 2010.
“San Francisco” was written by John Phillips, the leader of the 1960s group the Mamas and the Papas. But Mr. McKenzie sang it and it has stood as an anthem for the 1960s counterculture movement.
Mr. McKenzie also co-wrote “Kokomo,” a No. 1 hit for the Beach Boys in 1988, and toured with the Mamas and the Papas in the 1990s.
Judd postpones shows after husband injured in crash
Country singer Wynonna Judd announced Sunday that she is postponing upcoming concerts in Canada after her husband was hurt in a motorcycle accident in South Dakota.
Miss Judd and her husband, Michael “Cactus” Moser, were riding separate motorcycles north on U.S. Highway 16 in the Black Hills on Saturday when Mr. Moser crossed the center line and hit a car, the Associated Press reports. Mr. Moser, 55, of Nashville, Tenn., was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Miss Judd was riding ahead of her husband and was not involved in the crash. The car’s driver was not injured.
Mr. Moser was cited for crossing the center line and not having a motorcycle license.
Miss Judd canceled her Saturday night show in Deadwood, a resort town in the Black Hills.
“The outpouring of prayer and support from friends, family and fans has been a blessing to both Cactus and I,” she said Sunday in a statement. “Cactus is a champion. I love him deeply and I will not leave his side.”
The couple were married in a private family ceremony in June in Leipers Fork, Tenn.
Miss Judd rose to fame with her mother, Naomi, as the country duo the Judds, before she embarked on a solo career in the 1990s.
Diner owner opens early for special guest: Tom Hanks
The owner of a diner in North Dakota got a surprise Friday when actor Tom Hanks showed up for an early breakfast.
Tammy Hagensen said she got a call Thursday evening from a jet company that often sends their pilots to TNT’s Diner in West Fargo. A company official asked if she would open early Friday for a special guest whose name could not be revealed right away.
According to the Associated Press, Ms. Hagensen told the Forum newspaper she agreed to open early because she was curious. She said she was stunned when Mr. Hanks, his wife, Rita Wilson, and their two sons walked through the door.
Ms. Hagensen said Mr. Hanks and his family ate breakfast and left, but not before a couple of photos were taken and he signed a couple of T-shirts.
• Compiled from Web and wire reports
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