John Lennon doorman recalls singer's final words shot

Former Dakota employee Jay Hastings shares chilling details of John Lennon's final moments. New docuseries on the singer's murder set for release.

Jay Hastings, a former employee of the Dakota in New York City where John Lennon and Yoko Ono Lennon lived, recently shared details about the singer's tragic last night. According to Hastings, he pressed the building's hidden security button when Lennon came running up after hearing gunshots, saying, "I'm shot, I'm shot," before collapsing in the back office. Yoko Ono was right behind him, screaming for an ambulance.

Hastings admitted that he didn't realize how badly Lennon was injured at first. When he learned that the shooter, Mark David Chapman, was still outside the building, Hastings grabbed a billy club and went downstairs, intending to confront Chapman. The interview with Hastings comes ahead of the release of the Apple docuseries "John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial," which covers Lennon's death, the subsequent trial, and the legal strategy of Chapman's defense team.

Lennon was tragically shot and killed outside his home in New York City on December 8, 1980. Chapman confessed to the crime at the scene and later admitted to a parole board that he knew what he was doing was evil and wrong, but he craved fame so much that he was willing to take a human life. He expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the evil in his heart and his desire for notoriety.

Chapman is currently serving a 20-years-to-life sentence at Green Haven Correctional Facility and has been repeatedly denied parole. The tragic events of that night continue to resonate with music fans and the public, leaving a lasting impact on the legacy of John Lennon.

Share With Others