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The phrase how to hire a hitman may sound like something pulled from a crime movie or true-crime documentary, but real-life murder-for-hire cases have led to serious criminal prosecutions across Texas and the United States. While some people search the term out of curiosity, the legal consequences behind these schemes are anything but fictional. Texas law treats attempts to arrange a killing as a grave offense, even when no one is ultimately harmed.
Understanding how murder-for-hire cases are prosecuted requires more than simply looking at murder laws. Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors may pursue charges involving solicitation, conspiracy, attempted murder, or homicide-related offenses. One of the most well-known examples is the case of musician Tim Lambesis, whose attempt to hire a hitman during a contentious divorce became a nationally publicized criminal case. Examining both the law and real-world examples can help illustrate why these offenses carry some of the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system.
Murder, Attempted Murder, Manslaughter, and Homicide: What’s the Difference?
Texas law recognizes several homicide-related offenses, and understanding the distinctions can help explain how prosecutors approach serious crimes, including murder-for-hire cases. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they have very different legal meanings and consequences.
Attempted murder is prosecuted under Texas Penal Code §15.01, the state’s criminal attempt statute. Rather than requiring a completed killing, attempted murder applies when a person takes a substantial step toward committing murder but does not succeed. Because criminal attempt generally lowers the offense by one degree, attempted murder is typically charged as a second-degree felony rather than a first-degree felony.
Manslaughter is defined under Texas Penal Code §19.04. A person commits manslaughter when they recklessly cause the death of another individual. Unlike murder, manslaughter does not require an intent to kill. Instead, it involves conduct that disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk, resulting in another person’s death. Manslaughter is generally classified as a second-degree felony.
Texas Penal Code §19.01 defines criminal homicide as the umbrella category that includes murder, capital murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide. A person commits criminal homicide if they intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence cause the death of another person. Understanding this broader category helps place homicide offenses into context and illustrates how Texas law classifies different levels of criminal responsibility when a death occurs.
How Texas Law Treats “How to Hire a Hitman” and Other Murder-Related Offenses
Understanding the differences between homicide-related offenses can be confusing because several crimes involve causing or attempting to cause another person’s death. The table below provides a simplified overview of some of the most common offenses discussed in this article and the penalties they may carry under Texas law.
| Offense | General Definition | Typical Felony Level |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of Capital Murder | Requesting, encouraging, or paying another person to commit murder | First-Degree Felony |
| Murder | Intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another person | First-Degree Felony |
| Attempted Murder | Taking a substantial step toward committing murder without completing the act | Second-Degree Felony |
| Manslaughter | Recklessly causing the death of another person | Second-Degree Felony |
| Criminally Negligent Homicide | Causing a death through criminal negligence | State Jail Felony |
Although people may search for information about how to hire a hitman, Texas law treats murder-for-hire schemes as serious felony offenses even when no one is injured. In many cases, the act of soliciting another person to commit murder can result in criminal charges long before any planned violence occurs.
The Tim Lambesis Murder-for-Hire Case
Murder-for-hire plots often seem like something that only happens in movies or television dramas. In reality, law enforcement agencies investigate these cases regularly, and some have involved surprisingly high-profile individuals. One of the most widely publicized examples is the case of Tim Lambesis, lead singer of the metal band As I Lay Dying, who was arrested in 2013 after attempting to arrange the murder of his estranged wife.
From Successful Musician to Divorce Proceedings
Lambesis helped found As I Lay Dying, a Christian metal band that achieved significant success during the 2000s. In 2004, he married his wife, Meggan, and together they adopted three children from Ethiopia.
By 2012, however, his personal life had begun to unravel. Lambesis became deeply involved in bodybuilding and publicly discussed changes in his religious beliefs. Around the same time, his marriage deteriorated. Court records and divorce filings described disagreements involving parenting responsibilities, finances, and custody issues. By September 2012, the couple had decided to divorce.
The divorce proceedings became increasingly contentious. According to testimony later presented in court, Lambesis was frustrated by custody restrictions and concerned about the financial consequences of the divorce.
The Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
According to prosecutors, Lambesis began looking for someone to kill his estranged wife during the divorce proceedings. He first approached his personal trainer, Brett Kimball, and asked whether he knew anyone who could carry out the murder.
Kimball later cooperated with law enforcement, leading Lambesis to meet with an undercover investigator posing as a hitman known as “Red.”
During their meetings, prosecutors alleged that Lambesis made clear he wanted his wife killed. He reportedly provided photographs of Meggan, her address, and the security gate code to her residence. He also paid $1,000 as an initial payment and discussed dates when he would have custody of the children, which investigators believed was intended to create an alibi.
According to court testimony, Lambesis expressed anger over both custody issues and the financial impact of the divorce. These conversations ultimately became key evidence in the criminal case against him.
Arrest, Guilty Plea, and Sentence
Authorities arrested Lambesis in May 2013 following the undercover operation.
After his arrest, his attorneys argued that anabolic steroid use may have affected his judgment and decision-making. While that claim received significant media attention, it did not serve as a legal defense to the charge.
Lambesis initially pleaded not guilty. However, in February 2014, he changed his plea and admitted guilt to solicitation of murder. The court sentenced him to six years in prison.
Although sentenced to six years, he was released on parole in 2016 after serving approximately two and a half years.
Life After Prison
Following his release, Lambesis returned to the music industry and eventually reunited with As I Lay Dying. His return generated significant public debate, with some fans supporting his rehabilitation while others remained critical because of the seriousness of the offense.
In the years since his release, Lambesis has publicly discussed the case and described it as one of the darkest periods of his life. Despite returning to music, the murder-for-hire plot remains closely associated with his public reputation and continues to serve as a cautionary example of how personal conflicts can escalate into serious criminal conduct.
Potential Consequences Beyond Prison
A prison sentence is often only one part of the consequences associated with murder-for-hire and other serious violent crimes. Even after a person completes their sentence, the effects of a felony conviction can continue for years.
Potential consequences may include:
- Difficulty finding employment due to a felony record
- Loss of certain professional licenses or certifications
- Restrictions on firearm ownership and possession
- Challenges obtaining housing opportunities
- Damage to personal and family relationships
- Ongoing parole or supervision requirements
- Financial hardship resulting from legal fees and lost income
- Reputational harm that may follow a person indefinitely
The Tim Lambesis case illustrates this reality. Although he was released from prison in 2016 and returned to the music industry, the murder-for-hire plot continues to be a defining part of his public image. For many defendants, the long-term consequences of a serious criminal conviction can last far longer than the sentence itself.
What to Do if You Believe Someone Wants to Harm You
Cases involving threats, stalking, or even murder-for-hire plots often begin with warning signs that are ignored or dismissed. If you believe someone intends to harm you, it is important to take the situation seriously and act as quickly as possible.
If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away. For ongoing threats, report the situation to local law enforcement and provide as much information as possible. Police can only investigate what they know about, so documenting incidents can be extremely important. Save text messages, emails, social media messages, voicemails, photographs, or any other evidence that may help establish a pattern of threatening behavior.
In addition to contacting law enforcement, consider taking steps to protect yourself. Depending on the circumstances, a court may issue a protective order or restraining order that limits contact from the person making the threats. You may also want to inform trusted family members, friends, employers, or school officials if there is a legitimate concern for your safety.
It is also important to avoid confronting the individual on your own. While it may be tempting to resolve the situation directly, doing so can sometimes escalate tensions or place you at greater risk. Instead, allow law enforcement and the courts to handle the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
Ultimately, prosecutors—not victims—decide whether criminal charges should be filed. However, timely reporting and thorough documentation can play a critical role in helping authorities investigate threats and prevent violence before it occurs.
Conclusion
The phrase how to hire a hitman may sound like the premise of a crime thriller, but the legal consequences are very real. Under Texas law, attempting to arrange a killing can result in serious felony charges, including solicitation of capital murder, even if no one is ultimately harmed. The law does not wait for violence to occur before holding individuals accountable for planning or encouraging it.
The Tim Lambesis case demonstrates how personal conflicts, divorce disputes, and poor decisions can escalate into life-changing criminal charges. His story serves as a reminder that murder-for-hire plots are not confined to movies or television—they are prosecuted aggressively in the real world.
Whether a case involves solicitation, attempted murder, manslaughter, or murder, Texas treats crimes involving the intentional taking of human life with the utmost seriousness. Understanding these laws can help individuals recognize the severe consequences associated with murder-for-hire schemes and why seeking lawful solutions to personal disputes is always the better path.
Need Legal Help? Contact Us Today
Allegations involving solicitation of murder, attempted murder, or other serious violent crimes can carry life-changing consequences. A conviction may result in substantial prison time, significant fines, and long-term effects on your personal and professional life. If you have been arrested, charged, or believe you are under investigation, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.
The sooner you understand your rights and legal options, the better prepared you will be to make informed decisions about your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the facts, explain the charges against you, and help develop a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances.
At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our criminal defense attorneys are committed to helping clients navigate complex criminal cases and protecting their rights throughout the legal process. We take the time to understand your situation and provide clear guidance every step of the way.
We offer complimentary consultations by phone, via Zoom, or in person.
Call us today at 281-810-9760 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In Texas, a person can face serious felony charges for attempting to arrange a killing even if the crime is never carried out. Solicitation of capital murder may be prosecuted based on the request, agreement, or payment alone, without requiring a death to occur.
A murder-for-hire charge can still be filed. Law enforcement agencies frequently use undercover officers in sting operations involving alleged murder-for-hire plots. The fact that the intended hitman was not a real criminal generally does not prevent prosecution.
Solicitation involves asking, encouraging, or paying another person to commit a murder. Attempted murder involves taking a substantial step toward committing the killing yourself. Both offenses are serious felonies, but they involve different types of conduct under Texas law.
Yes, in certain circumstances. If the planned killing is carried out, prosecutors may pursue murder, capital murder, or party-liability charges against the person who arranged the crime. The exact charges depend on the facts of the case and the individual’s involvement.
If you believe you are being threatened, stalked, or targeted for violence, contact law enforcement immediately. Save any messages, emails, recordings, or other evidence that may help document the threat. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be eligible to seek a protective order or other legal protections.
