Actor Michael Jace, who is best known for portraying a Los Angeles police officer on the television drama The Shield, was charged on May 22 with murder for allegedly shooting his wife during an argument at their home in the Hyde Park area of Los Angeles.
Jace, 51, is scheduled to be arraigned on May 22 in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom on the felony charge, which includes a gun allegation.
He has remained jailed in lieu of $2 million bail since his arrest early Tuesday morning by Los Angeles police.
Jace is accused of shooting his wife, April, at about 8:30 p.m. on May 19 in the couple’s home in the 5400 block of Brynhurst Avenue. The actor called 911 shortly afterward, authorities said.
The woman’s body was found inside the home. Police said the couple’s two children – who are both under 10 – were in the home at the time and were placed in protective custody.
According to April Jace’s Facebook page, the couple would have celebrated their 11th anniversary next month.
She worked as a counselor in the financial aid office at Biola University in La Mirada.
Jace is best known for his role as LAPD Officer Julien Lowe in The Shield. He has also appeared in such films as Forrest Gump, Boogie Nights, and Planet of the Apes.
He was previously married to Jennifer Bitterman but the couple divorced in 2002.
The Los Angeles Times reported on its website that Bitterman accused Jace of domestic violence in court papers. She contended that Jace threatened to kill her if she fought him over visitation of their son.
The Times also reported that Jace filed for bankruptcy in 2011, citing debts of more than $500,000. A neighbor told the newspaper that the actor had struggled to find steady work since The Shield ended its run.
