John Lennon's killer says he's remorseful

NEW YORK, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The killer of Beatle John Lennon, Mark David Chapman, has told a New York parole board he was filled with remorse after shooting the musician in 1980.

Transcripts of the conversation between Chapman and the parole board earlier this month show Chapman also claimed he begged God to turn back time, but still didn't make parole, the New York Daily News reported Friday.

Chapman is serving 20 years to life.

"I would like to say I felt horrible," the 51-year-old inmate said at his hearing on Oct. 10, just one day after what would have been Lennon's 66th birthday.

"I was asking God to change back time and try to find some way out of it," said Chapman.

Chapman shot Lennon four times in New York City on Dec. 8, 1980.

"I believe that if I really wanted to, I could have changed my mind," Chapman said. "I had ample opportunity to do it and I didn't do it and I regret that deeply."

Chapman said he killed Lennon to become famous, the report said.