Tim Lambesis Pleads Not Guilty, Attorney Says He Was Set Up

As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis has pleaded not guilty to hiring a hitman to kill his wife.

The Christian metal singer’s bail has been set at $3 million. In addition to handing over his passport, the singer was told to avoid contact with his wife and his children. North San Diego County Superior Court Judge Martin Staven said Lambesis is also required to stay in the area.

The As I Lay Dying singer was arrested after being accused of participating in a murder-for-hire plot. Tim Lambesis allegedly tried to hire a hitman after his wife filed for divorce. When he told his friends at a gym about his desire to kill his wife, someone reportedly put him in touch with a guy who could get the job done.

The supposed hitman was actually an undercover cop. Tim Lambesis allegedly turned over house codes and other information required for the job. He also paid the individual around $1,000 to kill his estranged wife. Lambesis was later arrested for his involvement.

Anthony Salerno, Tim Lambesis’ attorney, said he believes his client was set up by a “snitch.” He explained:

“There’s one other element to this, too, which is … I don’t want to start to make accusations on this one unless I have some more information, but I will point out that Tim‘s wife’s brother, I understand, is a San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy, and I think I would be remiss if I didn’t fully explore that, because that is a litte bit … it’s at the bare minimum very coincidental, and it may be more than that.”

As I Lay Dying currently has a tour scheduled for later this year. It’s likely that these performances will be scrapped because the frontman isn’t allowed to leave the area. Lambesis has also refrained from speaking about the allegations since the trial is currently pending.

What do you think about Tim Lambesis’ pleading not guilty in the alleged murder-for-hire plot?

[Image via Lia Koltyrina / Shutterstock.com]