Michael Jace, an actor most known for his work on The Shield and currently facing a murder charges, entered a plead of not guilty at his June 18 arraignment. Jace was accused of killing his wife last month.
The actor is scheduled to return to court Aug. 1 for a preliminary hearing, where the judge will determine whether there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial.
On May 19, Jace’s wife, April, was shot to death at her home in the Los Angeles section of Hyde Park, where she lived with her husband, Michael. Shortly after 8:30 p.m. that evening, Jace called 911 to report his wife had been shot.
According to authorities, Jace, 51, was arrested on May 20 and remained in jail in lieu of a $2 million bail.
At the time of the shooting, the Jace’s two children were reportedly home with the couple. Both children were under the age of 10, according to news reports, and are apparently in the custody of April Jace’s family.
The County District Attorney’s office reports Jace is also charged with discharging a handgun and could face 50 years to life in state prison.
In addition to The Shield, Jace also appeared in films such as Forrest Gump, Boogie Nights, and Planet of the Apes. His marriage to April was his second; Jace’s first wife was Jennifer Bitterman.
News reports indicated Bitterman had accused Jace of domestic violence, with the actor threatening to kill her.
Jace also reportedly filed for bankruptcy.
April Jace was reportedly working at Biola University in La Mirada, Calif., prior to her murder.
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