Metal Band Lead Singer Gets 6 Years For Plotting To Kill His Wife

VISTA (AP) — The lead singer of the band As I Lay Dying has been sentenced to six years in prison for plotting to kill his wife.

U-T San Diego says 33-year-old Timothy Lambesis was sentenced Friday in San Diego County. He'd pleaded guilty to soliciting murder.

Authorities say Lambesis hired an undercover sheriff's detective to kill his wife, Meggan Lambesis, last year. The singer said she'd restricted his visits with their adopted children following a separation and also said he was angry that his wife would get a large share of his income in a divorce settlement.

His attorney said Lambesis acted out of character and the behavior was sparked by steroid use.

Lambesis was lead singer for the Grammy-nominated metal band, which formed in San Diego in 2000.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)