VISTA (CBS 8) - Bail was slashed from $3 million to $2 million for the lead singer of a San Diego-based heavy-metal band, who is accused of trying to arrange the murder of his estranged wife.
At the conclusion of a 90-minute hearing at the Vista Courthouse Friday, As I Lay Dying front man Timothy Peter Lambesis, 32, had his bail lowered by Judge David Berry.
The courtroom where Friday's hearing took place seats 33 people, dozens of supporters from both sides who showed up were turned away because there was no room for them.
Tom Warwick, the new attorney for Lambesis says his client was mentally unstable due to steroid use, when he allegedly tried to hire an undercover detective to kill his wife.
Friday, he said Lambesis tried to hire a hit man when he was mentally unstable due to steroid use.
He said Lambesis was a good Christian man until he got involved with bodybuilding, which is when the steroid use began.
He alleges that Lambesis tried to hire a hit man while he was getting off the drug and was in a so-called roid rage.
Lambesis was arrested in Oceanside last week after Sheriff's deputies say he gave an undercover detective an envelope containing $1,000, pictures of his wife, her address, gate code and dates when the "hit" could take place.
The prosecuting attorney says Lambesis knew what he was doing.
While the defense wanted the bail lowered to $250,000, the judge lowered his $3 million bail to $2 million.
The two have three adopted children from Ethiopia together. Megan and the children are reportedly on seclusion. The prosecutor says she is terrified.
Lambesis has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He will be back in court at the end of the month for a readiness hearing.