Apart from “The Shield,” the actor featured in other movies like “Southland,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Private Practice,” “NYPD Blue,” “Burn Notice,” and “The Mentalist.”
Michael Jace playing the role of Julien Lowe on “The Shield”
Almost two decades have passed since “The Shield” aired, and many wonder what the actor has been up to. Jace is 56 years old and a loving father of his children. But he cannot have time with his kids as he is serving his sentence in jail.
WHAT WAS APRIL JACE?
April was an American track-and-field athlete. Before her death, she worked as a counselor for Biola University in La Mirada. April was passionate about helping families and students develop a better work ethic. This earned her the respect and love of her coworkers.
In 2003, April got married to Michael. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, she used her Facebook page to post photos of her family and friends.
April tied the knot with Michael in 2003, and to celebrate their tenth anniversary in 2013; she took to her Facebook page to share snaps of her friends, family, and husband.
According to her Facebook, she and her actor husband would’ve celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary. However, her life was tragically cut short one month prior.
WHAT HAPPENED IN APRIL?
April, who was found dead with bullet wounds to her upper body at her South Los Angeles home on May 19, 2014, will be remembered forever. The following morning, Michael was arrested on suspicion of murder.
“The Shield” actor Michael Jace was charged with killing his wife – the story up next on #AC360 pic.twitter.com/4OGS8K1eLs
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) May 21, 2014
Before his arrest, Michael had called the police to report that he had fatally shot his wife. Reports had it that the couple’s neighbors heard a heated argument between the pair followed by the sound of gunfire.
According to the Los Angeles Police department, the couple’s children, eight and five years old, were present at the murder scene.
According to police, domestic violence was the motive behind the murder. Michael was arrested on the night of the murder, and he was brought before the court the next day.
CNN reports that Michael Jace, an actor, was taken into custody in connection to the murder of his wife. http://t.co/R06h1WTimt
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) May 20, 2014
THOUGHTS ON APRIL’S DEATH
April was loved by many, and her death was a big blow not only on her immediate family but her friends at large. Many people shared their thoughts about the sad incident and noted how she would be missed.
At the time, the president of Biola University, Barry Corey, said the school was shocked and saddened by the terrible news. He described the deceased athlete as a great friend, colleague, mother, father, and friend.
Geoff Marsh, director of financial aid, stated that April had a radiant personality and brought great energy into the office. Geoff Marsh, director of financial aid, said that April was a bright and cheerful person who brought a lot of energy to the office. He also expressed his regret for her smile and kind spirit.
“Shield” actor Michael Jace was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of his wife https://t.co/S3TmOtRrQI pic.twitter.com/N3oEIHFKYz
— CNN (@CNN) June 10, 2016
MICHAEL’S COURT APPEARANCES
Michael appeared in court for the first time on May 22, 2014, and continued his arraignment till June 18. Michael, like every other person, was not in the right mindset.
His lawyer, Jason Sias, noted that being in court was very emotional for the actor, as he mostly thought about his children. Michael’s emotional state did not prevent him from being tried.
Los Angeles Police Detectives presented evidence against Michael to the district lawyer. According to his lawyer, the Hollywood star pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
Apart from evidence, witnesses also testified in court. Nehemiah, the actor’s little boy, was one of several witnesses who attended. According to the little boy’s statement, he saw his dad pull his mom into the hallway.
Maria said that Michael assaulted his wife at least three more times after the 1997 episode.
Nehemiah stated that his father told April to run to Heaven if she wanted to run. The little boy said that Michael had shot April after he made the statement. Prosecutors announced that April was shot three more times. She was also shot twice in the leg and once in the back.
Actor Michael Jace appeared in Los Angeles Court on May 22, 2014. Although the motive was domestic violence. However, prosecutors said that Michael was offended that April was cheating and wanted a divorce.
Even though the motive was domestic violence, prosecutors claimed that Michael was gravely offended because he felt April was cheating, and she wanted a divorce. According to reports, Michael also abused his first wife.
INSIDE MICHAEL’S FIRST MARRIAGE
Before his marriage to April, James was previously married to Jennifer Bitterman. They were married in 1995 and divorced in 2002. Bitterman’s friend Maria De La Vega narrated the couple’s observations as they married during a custody dispute.
Michael Jace and his lawyers appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court, August 1, 2014.
The woman said that she had seen Michael physically assault his wife in 1997. According to the woman’s explanations, the actor choked Bitterman, slammed her against the wall, and made their son cry terribly.
She stated that Michael was furious and out of control and that his anger was the most horrific thing she had ever seen. In addition, she noted that Bitterman’s friends and family were concerned for her safety.
Maria said that Michael assaulted his wife at least three more times in the aftermath of the 1997 ordeal. Maria denied any allegations that he had abused him. The actor admitted to fighting with his wife.
THE COURT’S FINAL VERDICT
After several appearances in court, Michael made it known that the murder was not premeditated. He apologized to April’s family and friends for the pain caused.
The actor was found guilty by a Los Angeles Court and sentenced to 40-years to life. His son noted that he saw the sadness on his father’s face, and it was a good thing that the actor had realized his faults.