The lead singer of a heavy metal band called "As I Lay Dying" has been charged with planning the death of his estranged wife by hiring a hitman, as reported by ABC 10 News, The San Diego Union-Tribune and Billboard magazine.
At a recent hearing Timothy Peter Lambesis, 32, saw his bail lowered by Judge David Berry by a million dollars – from $3 million to $2 million – as his attorney successfully argued that it was his client's abuse of steroids that had altered his behavior.
Claudia Grasso, the Deputy District Attorney, suggested that the singer, who travels worldwide with his San Diego-based band, is a flight risk. She also argued that her client, Meggan Lambesis, was terrified of what he might do to her if freed.
Grasso said, "She's really petrified. Who else is out there? Who else did he speak to?"
Thomas Warwick explained that his client was a "good person" who had been so obsessed with bodybuilding that he grew dependent on steroids. Warwick to the judge that Lambesis' friends wanted him back to normal.
Several friends came to court to support Meggan Lambesis. One such friend, A.P., in a group of people wearing yellow hearts adorned with white ribbons, commented, "We wish he didn't lower bail, but we're hoping he still can't make it, that Meggan will be safe. That's what we care about the most, that she and her kids are safe."
Lambesis pleaded not guilty of solicitation to commit murder. He was booked on May 7 in the Vista Detention Facility after being arrested in an Oceanside bookstore.
Allegedly, while in the store, Lambesis spoke to an undercover detective and asked him to kill Meggan for $1,000. Lambesis gave the detective the cash, photographs of Meggan, her home address and the code that would gain him entry past her security gate.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department the hit was to take place while Lambesis had custody of his children – which would guarantee him an alibi.
An investigation had begun one week prior as detectives were told that Lambesis was looking for someone to murder his wife. Grasso explained that Lambesis has first asked someone in his gym to carry out the crime.
According to Grasso, when the undercover detective, going by the code name "Red", met with Lambesis he asked if he wanted his wife gone. Lambesis allegedly said, "Yes, that's what I want."
The couple had been married for eight years; Meggan Lambesis filed for divorce in September of 2012. They have three children, according to reporters, that they adopted from Ethiopia.
"As I Lay Dying" has had three albums in top of the Billboard charts and has also received Grammy nominations. The band is due to begin a U.S. tour this May.
If you have suddenly found yourself charged with a crime contact a criminal defense attorney to help you prepare for court. From your plea up to your sentencing, you will need to have an experienced lawyer at your side.
