Rocker accused in murder plot makes bail, leaves jail

Rock singer Tim Lambesis, accused of trying to hiring a hit man to kill his estranged wife, left San Diego County jail in Vista on Thursday, after posting $2 million bail.

Under conditions set by Superior Court Judge David Berry, Lambesis must wear a GPS monitor and stay away from his wife and their three children.

Lambesis, 32, lead singer for the Christian-themed band As I Lay Dying, is charged with trying to hire a hit man to kill his estranged wife, Meggan, who filed for divorce in September.

A readiness hearing is set for June 10 and a preliminary hearing for July 10.

Bail was initially set at $3 million. At a bail hearing, Lambesis attorney Tom Warwick, who had argued for a lower bail amount, said that Lambesis’ thinking had been affected by his steroid use.

In divorce papers, Lambesis’ wife alleged that he had become emotionally distant, was preoccupied with bodybuilding and touring, and spent money irresponsibly, including on numerous tattoos. The couple has been married eight years and adopted three children from Ethiopia.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Claudia Grasso said Lambesis several months ago sent his wife an email telling her that he no longer loved her or believed in God. His wife also learned that he had had several extra-marital affairs, she said.

Grasso said Lambesis gave an undercover sheriff’s deputy posing as a hit man $1,000 and the address of his wife’s home and the computer code to the front door. The meeting was arranged after deputies received a tip that Lambesis was trying to arrange the murder of his wife.

Lambesis was arrested May 7.

tony.perry@latimes.com