“The Shield” Actor Michael Jace Charged With Murder in Wife's Shooting Death

Michael Jace called 911 Monday night and told an operator that he shot his wife, according to police.

"The Shield" actor Michael Jace was charged Thursday with murder, accused of fatally shooting his wife in Los Angeles minutes after she returned home with their two young boys.

Jace, 51, was arrested early Tuesday after calling 911 Monday night and telling an operator that he shot his wife, according to police.

Jace's attorney, Jason Sias, spoke with reporters outside of court.

"We just want to express our deepest sympathies to the family," he said. "Our thoughs and prayers are with them."

Neighbors came out to court on Thursday to support Jace.

"He's just not an aggressive person at all," said Mark Robles, a neighbor, who taught Jace's sons, 8 and 5,  jiu-jitsu. "That's why this seemed very out of character."

Robles' son, Alex, said he hoped Jace didn't do it.

"If he did do it, it is such a great loss for the boys," he said outside court.

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Jace is accused of killing April Jace, 40. Her body was found Monday night in the hallway of their home in the 5400 block of Brynhurst Avenue in Hyde Park, about 10 miles southwest of downtown LA. She had been shot multiple times in the upper body, police said. Neighbors heard arguing before gunfire and police said their boys were home at the time.

As Jace appeared in court, friends remembered April, a caring mother who worked at Biola University as a counselor in their financial aid office.

"In loving memory of our friend, inspiration, and the fastest female on The Trojan Masters Team, April Jace aka Sunshine," said one tribute on the

Trojans Masters Track Club Facebook page

. "We love you more than words can express. You were the example of LIFE!!!!!!" 

Jace faced accusations of domestic violence in his previous marriage to Jennifer Bitterman. The couple divorced in 2002.

According to April Jace's Facebook page, the couple would have celebrated their 11th anniversary next month.

She had posted multiple photos of her children, her family, friends and an anniversary photo taken last year of her and Michael Jace sitting and smiling at a table with a caption that read, "Happy 10 year anniversary to us."

Michael 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."

Jace filed for bankruptcy in 2011, citing debts of more than $500,000.

Lolita Lopez contributed to this report.

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