Heavy metal band singer to be arraigned in murder-for-hire attempt

The lead singer and co-founder of the heavy metal band As I Lay Dying is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday on charges he tried to hire a man to kill his estranged wife, San Diego County sheriff’s records show.

Tim Lambesis, 32, of Carlsbad was arrested without incident Tuesday in Oceanside while shopping. He is accused of attempting to find someone to kill his estranged wife, who lives in Encinitas.

Lambesis had tried to hire an undercover sheriff’s detective for the murder, authorities said. The meeting was arranged after detectives learned of Lambesis’ desire to have his wife killed, authorities said.

The San Diego County-based band specializes in music that includes “thrash metal” sounds and “beat-down hard-core punk.” Lambesis provides guitar riffs and what are described as “growled vocals.” He is a guitarist in the group, which formed in 2000.

In various interviews, Lambesis has insisted that while the lyrics to the band’s songs may seem harsh, the five members are Christians and the songs include Christian themes of forgiveness and struggle.

Lambesis was booked into the Vista jail on suspicion of soliciting a murder and conspiracy to commit a crime. He is being held without bail, records show.

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tony.perry@latimes.com