Christian Rock Singer Tim Lambesis Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Plotting to Murder Wife

Tim Lambesis
The lead singer of ''As I Lay Dying'' blames his drug use for his moral downfall. (Photo: AP)

The lead singer of the band Christian Rock Band "As I Lay Dying" has been sentenced to six years in prison for plotting to kill his wife.

Timothy Lambesis, 33, pled guilty to asking his personal trainer if he knew anyone who could kill his wife of eight years, Meggan Murphy. He expressed anger at his wife's restricting his visits to see his children following their separation in addition to receiving a large share of his income in a divorce settlement, The Huffington Post reports.

The trainer contacted the San Diego Sheriff's Department, which in turn sent an undercover detective to meet with Lambesis. The singer admitted that he had paid the undercover detective $1,000 in cash for the murder, with an additional $19,000 to be paid when his wife was dead.

Court documents reveal that the Lambesis gave the officer photos of his wife, the address of her complex and codes for the security gates, and a list of dates when he would have their three adopted children with him to provide an alibi.

Lambesis' attorney said the singer's "thought processes were devastatingly affected by his steroid use," claiming his actions were out of character.

In an interview held earlier this week with Alternative Press, Lambesis reveals that he experienced a "massive moral decline" following his steroid use, renouncing his Christian faith and embracing atheism.

"So when I abandoned all belief in God, I had nowhere to put my feet. I was 30 years old and asking myself that same question, "Where does morality come from?" If there was no God, then morality is whatever I want to make it. That began to justify a lot of crazy behaviors in my life."

During the sentencing hearing on Friday, Noisey reports that Lambesis addressed his wife, saying, "I do want to apologize, and I do feel a deep sense of remorse." He added, "In the midst of all the heartache, you still find the strength to pray for me, and I'm thankful for that."

"As I Lay Dying" was formed by Lambesis in San Diego in 2000. The band was known for their Christian-themed lyrics which tackled heavy issues such as abortion, regret, and depression. Several of their albums reached the Billboard Top 200, and the metal band was nominated for a Grammy in 2008.

Following the news of Lambesis' arrest, the band released a statement on their website announcing the cancellation of their 2013 tour, stating "we feel that it is best for the band to be off the road while the current situation gets sorted."

Rather than continue on without Lambesis, the four remaining members of the band decided to focus on a different style of music under a different band name, Wovenwar, with a new lead singer.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.