Co-Workers Mourn School Counselor Killed in Shooting at “Shield” Actor's Home

Actor Michael Jace was arrested on suspicion of murder in his wife's shooting death at the family's Southern California home

Co-workers at Biola University were "shocked and saddened" to learn that April Jace, who worked in the school's financial aid office, was killed in a shooting Monday night that led to the arrest of her actor husband.

April Jace, who worked at the southeast Los Angeles County school since March 2013, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene, according to Los Angeles Police Department investigators. Her husband, "The Shield" actor Michael Jace, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Michael Jace is being held on $1 million bond.

The school announced that the office in which April Jace, 40, worked will be closed as colleagues mourn. Biola University is a private Christian university in La Mirada with an enrollment of about 6,250 students.

"We are obviously shocked and saddened by this terrible news, to lose a wonderful colleague, mother and friend," said Biola president Barry H. Corey. "The Biola family will stand with this precious family and the employees who are grieving today, and my prayer is that the God of all comfort will be our refuge and peace."

Officers responded to the couple's home about 10 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles near Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard at about 8:30 p.m. Monday after neighbors reported the sound of gunshots. Neighbors reported hearing arguing coming from the Jace home just moments before the gunfire.

Michael Jace, 51, was in the doorway of the home when officers arrived, according to the LAPD. His wife's body was found in a hallway, police said.

Jace and his wife have been married for nine years, according to police. The couple's two children, both under the age of 10, were home at the time of the shooting.
 
"April's radiant personality brought great energy to the Financial Aid Office," said Geoff Marsh, senior director of financial aid. "Her love for helping students and families and her great work ethic earned the respect and love of her coworkers. Her smiling face and helpful spirit will be missed by all."

Neighbors described April and Michael Jace as the perfect couple.

"They were what I would describe as the Huxtables on the block," said neighbor Tonja Edwards, referring to the family featured in "The Cosby Show."

LAPD investigators said they have not determined whether the couple's children witnessed the shooting.

"The mother's gone, she'll never be back," said Dr. Sharon Prince, a neighbor. "Dad's gone, he may never be back. These children are parentless, it's so said. They're the ones who suffer."

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