Actor Michael Jace pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the case of his wife, April Jace, who was found dead inside their Hyde Park home last month.
According to CNN, the 51-year-old actor, who is best known for his role on FX's drama "The Shield," appeared in a Los Angeles court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the death of his wife. While wearing a yellow uniform Jace reportedly cried when entering his plea.
Jace was arrested on May 19 after allegedly shooting his wife of 11 years multiple times while the couple's two young sons were home. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a 911 call from neighbors who said they heard gunshots. According to police reports, the actor called 911 to report that his wife had been shot.
Other neighbors reported seeing Jace pulling into his driveway moments before his wife came home. Jace was found standing in his doorway unarmed. Sources close to the family told authorities that the couple were having financial problems.
According to preliminary autopsy results, April, a financial aid counselor at Biola University, died from "multiple gunshot wounds" and ruled her death a homicide. Jace was officially charged with his wife's murder on May 22.
According to NBC News, earlier this month, the Los Angeles Fire Department released a 911 call they received in which April's father claims that Jace asked him to pick up the children after shooting his wife.
"My son-in-law called me, and (texted) me, and said come get the kids because he shot April, our daughter," he said in the phone call.
A statement released by April's family, said "We cannot reverse the senseless violence that resulted in April's death but we can invest in the lives of her innocent children that are paying the price for it."
Jace's bail is set at $2 million. If released from jail, the actor has been ordered to stay 100 yards away from his two children, according to the judge's order.
A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for August 1.
