Actor Michael Jace was officially charged with one count of murder Thursday for allegedly killing his wife, April.
Jace called police Monday evening around 8:30 to report he had shot his wife of ten years. When police arrived April Jace's body was found in the couple's Los Angeles home — her death was ruled a homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds. (Via KTTV)
Jace's two young children, both under 10-years-old, were also inside the home at the time of the shooting. It's not clear if the kids saw the shooting but according to an LAPD detective, "At very least they heard the shots... It is a terrible tragedy, made all the more worse by their children being there." (Via Los Angeles Times)
Both children are safe and police believe domestic violence was the motive behind the 40-year-old's murder. However, KCAL reports there's no history of violence within the couple's relationship.
"We've looked and there's no indication that the police have been here or called to this home on any prior domestic incidences or domestic violence... I never heard them fuss, I never heard them say a cuss word in the ten years they've lived here." (Via KCAL)
"Legally uncharged prior acts of domestic violence can get introduced in this current case, so his past can really return to haunt him." (Via Yahoo! / 'The Insider')
And it seem's Jace's past will indeed hold a lot of weight in the case.
"The actor had been accused by his first wife of threatening to kill her over visitation with their son. His second wife, April, actually had defended him against those allegations in these documents obtained by Extra." (Via Warner Bros. / 'Extra')
New York Daily News reports Jace's ex claims the 51-year-old used intimidation tactics to discipline their son, who, according to her, was afraid of his father.
It's also being widely reported that Jace is currently going through financial problems.
"He filed for bankruptcy back in 2011 citing $500,000 in debt. ... He also defaulted on a mortgage for more than $400,000 for the home where his wife died." (ViaCNN)
Jace is best known for his long running role on FX drama "The Shield" where he played Los Angeles Police Officer Julien Lowe. He's also had roles in "Forrest Gump," "Law and Order" and more. (Via Fox / "The Shield")
"If convicted Jace faces 50 years to life in state prison for these charges." Jace claims the shooting was an accident. (Via KNBC)
According to TMZ, Jace is currently being held on $2 million bail.
