Michael Jace, best known for his role on FX’s “The Shield,” was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for fatally shooting his wife, April Jace, last April in front of their two sons, who were 8 and 5 at the time, in their Los Angeles home. Last month, the 53-year-old was found guilty of second-degree murder following a week-long trial.
According to Deputy District Attorney Tannaz Mokayef, the actor, who portrayed LAPD officer Julien Lowe, became enraged with April after she asked for a divorce, reports People. Jace, who called 911 admitting he had murdered his spouse, waited in their home for his wife to arrive; he then proceeded to shoot her once in the back and two more times in the legs.
During the sentencing, Jace apologized for the heinous act: “There is absolutely no justification for my actions on that night,” he said, according to Associated Press. “I am profoundly sorry for the pain that I’ve caused everyone … There was no premeditated anything.”
Earlier, April’s mother, Kay Henry, addressed the court, revealing that on the night of her daughter’s death, “we both died.”
“My first thought on my mind most mornings is, ‘Your daughter has been murdered.’ Then I wonder about how I’ll do today without her,” she said. “I think about how my grandsons will navigate their teen years … Will they remember their mother and how much she loved them?”
Of course, April’s death has impacted the lives of those who confided in her, as well. The Biola University school counselor was recently honored by the Christian institution with a scholarship established in her name. Per the school’s website, the grant awards “underrepresented students serving or planning to serve in an urban context who have experienced or witnessed violence in their home or neighborhood.”
“April was a very joyful person,” Jonathan Seruyange, associate director of financial aid at Biola University, previously told People. “She was very caring. Very joyful. Always ready to joke and laugh with people. She was easy to get to know.” Adding, “She was really well-loved across the campus — Hearing about that kind of thing happening to someone well loved was a huge shock and something that our office all took very hard.”
“We are obviously shocked and saddened by this terrible news, to lose a wonderful colleague, mother and friend,” Biola President Barry Corey said in a written statement at the time.
“April’s radiant personality brought great energy to the financial aid office,” financial aid director Geoff Marsh said. “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.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to April’s loved ones and her two young sons. Share your condolences in the comment section below.
