The tragic event of John Lennon’s murder remains a poignant moment in history, marked by the vivid memories of those who witnessed it. On the night of December 8, 1980, Lennon was returning to his apartment at the Dakota in New York City when he was shot by Mark David Chapman.
Jay Hastings, the doorman on duty that night, recalled the harrowing moments after the shooting. He remembered hearing Lennon’s last words, “I’m shot, I’m shot,” as he rushed past Hastings towards the back office of the building, where he collapsed.
Yoko Ono, Lennon’s wife, was close behind and frantically called for an ambulance. Unfortunately, Lennon’s injuries were fatal, and he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Roosevelt Hospital. This event not only shocked the world but also marked the end of an era in music history.
Earlier that day, Lennon had a brief encounter with Chapman, unknowingly signing an autograph for his future assassin. Chapman, who confessed at the scene, later admitted to being a Beatles fan and claimed his motive was to seek fame. He was subsequently sentenced to 20 years to life in prison and has been denied parole multiple times, with his next eligibility in 2024.
The last words John Lennon shared with Yoko Ono, as recounted in her 2007 interview, were during their drive home from the Record Plant. Lennon had expressed a desire to go home directly to see their son Sean before he went to bed, declining the option to have dinner out. These words hold a special significance for Ono, being the last shared moments with her husband before his untimely death.
