The $3500 check was for workout training. (that's why it was in the news). He paid that way before the incident. THEN, he paid them $500 to go buy the rope, masks, etc. and meet him by the Subway just prior to them leaving for the airport. That is the part that the news keeps forgetting to mention.
I hate to say it but I agree with Rahm Emanuel. Sometimes you have to try a case even though you think you may lose it for the principle of it.