As I Lay Dying frontman, Tim Lambesis, has pleaded guilty to attempting to put a hit out on his estranged wife Meggan Lambesis. The former couple share three adopted children.

Lambesis appeared in Vista Superior Court near San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday and admitted to paying $1,000 to an undercover cop in a murder-for-hire plot.

According to AP, Lambesis was released on a $2 million bond and awaits his sentencing hearing on May 2.

Lambesis told San Diego County Sheriff's Officer Howard Bradley, who he thought was a hitman, last year, "Just to clarify, just so you know, I do want her dead."

People reports Lambesis faces up to nine years in prison for the charge of solicitation of murder, as well as a $10,000 fine.

The rocker and his wife separated in 2012 and he became angry with her for restricting visits with their children. He was also resentful that she would be receiving a large amount of money in their divorce.

According to his lawyer, Lambesis’ behavior was altered by his steroid use during that time.

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