Judge orders trial for Christian metal rocker accused of hiring hitman to kill wife A San Diego judge has ordered the frontman of the Grammy-winning band As I Lay Dying to stand trial on charges he tried to hire someone to kill his estranged wife. San Diego Superior Court Judge Robert Kearney handed down his decision Monday in the case against Timothy Lambesis after several hours of testimony by witnesses for the prosecution, including an undercover officer who posed as a hitman. Lambesis will be arraigned on the charges Oct. 22, when the date for his trial will be set. Undercover officer Howard Bradley testified that Lambesis met him believing he was a hitman and told him he wanted his wife, Meggan Lambesis, dead. Bradley says Lambesis gave him his wife's name, photo and address, along with $1,000 cash. Lambesis has pleaded not guilty to solicitation for murder. The band plays in an aggressive style that features lightning-speed metal guitar riffs. The group's philosophical lyrics have attracted a following of Christian rock fans. If convicted, Lambesis could face up to nine years in prison.