Murder of John Lennon

The Dakota stands as a somber landmark on the corner of West seventy-second Street and Central Park West. On the night of December 8, 1980, this historic apartment building became the site of a profound tragedy when John Lennon was fatally shot in its entrance archway. Lennon had returned home with Yoko Ono from a recording session when a man who had spent the day lingering near the building entrance stepped from the shadows and fired five shots. Four of the bullets struck Lennon, who then staggered a few steps into the building's vestibule before collapsing. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.