Michael Jace is due to appear in Los Angeles court today to enter a plea, after being charged with his wife April’s murder last month.
Prosecutors say the 51-year-old actor shot April Jace, 40, multiple times at their family home on May 19, while the couple’s young children were present.
Michael Jace called 911 to report the shooting, according to police, and was at the house when they arrived.
The actor played Detective Julien Lowe in FX series The Shield.
Fire officials have released an emergency call from April Jace’s father, in which reveals the actor told him he had shot his wife.
The audio recording features an unnamed caller who explains to the operator: “My son-in-law called me, and [texted] me, and said come get the kids because he shot April, our daughter.”
April Jace’s family has called her death a senseless act of domestic violence and police are looking into whether financial or other domestic issues may have been the motive.
Michael Jace’s lawyers said the case is in its early stages and their investigation is ongoing.
April Jade worked at Biola University and had three sons, including two boys under the age of 10 with Michael Jace. They were unharmed and are now living with relatives.
The couple was married for nine years while Michael Jace, who has another child from a previous relationship, was previously married to Jennifer Bitterman. Michael Jace and Jennifer Bitterman divorced in 2002.
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