The Shield Actor Michael Jace: Wife's Murder & Prison Sentence
Can the man who portrays justice on screen, become the perpetrator of a heinous crime in reality? The story of Michael Jace is a chilling testament to the fact that the line between performance and reality can become tragically blurred.
Michael Jace, the actor best known for his role as Officer Julien Lowe, a Los Angeles police officer on the FX series "The Shield," saw his life take a dark and irreversible turn. On June 10, 2016, he was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the murder of his wife, April Jace. This sentencing brought an end to a trial that had captivated the nation, revealing a disturbing narrative of a life unraveling, fueled by suspicion, anger, and ultimately, fatal violence.
| Michael Jace - Biography | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Andrew Jace |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 1962 |
| Birth Place | Paterson, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former Actor, Convicted Murderer |
| Known For | Julien Lowe in "The Shield" |
| Conviction | Second-degree murder |
| Sentence | 40 years to life in prison (sentenced June 10, 2016) |
| Incarceration Location | Corcoran State Prison, California |
| First Wife | Jennifer Turner Bitterman |
| Second Wife | April Denise Laune (deceased) |
| Children | Two sons with April Jace |
| Michael Jace IMDb Profile |
The details of the crime are as disturbing as they are heartbreaking. On May 19, 2014, Michael Jace shot his wife, April, multiple times in their Los Angeles home. What makes this crime particularly chilling is that it occurred in front of their two young children. According to reports, Jace had been waiting for April to return home from work, and a heated argument ensued. Fueled by jealousy and suspicion, the argument escalated into a horrifying act of violence. Prosecutors argued that Jace was upset because April wanted a divorce and that he believed she was having an affair.
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During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Jace had meticulously planned the murder. The actor had been experiencing financial difficulties and was reportedly struggling with depression. His attorney, Jamon Hicks, argued that Jace was distraught and not in his right mind when the shooting occurred. However, the jury was ultimately convinced by the prosecution's case, finding Jace guilty of second-degree murder and intentionally discharging a firearm. The verdict brought a sense of closure, though bittersweet, for April Jace's family. Savoy Brown, April Jace's adult son, expressed relief at the verdict, stating that watching Michael Jace had been incredibly difficult for the family.
April Jace, 40, was a financial aid counselor at Biola University. She was a dedicated professional and a loving mother. Her life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a void in the lives of her family and friends. She had been married to Michael Jace for nine years. In court, Michael Jace expressed remorse for his actions, telling his wifes family members, "There is absolutely no justification for my actions on that night. I am profoundly sorry for the pain that Ive caused." However, these words offered little solace to a family grieving the loss of a beloved woman.
The case brought to light the darker side of Hollywood, where personal struggles and inner demons can lead to devastating consequences. Jaces acting career, which included small roles in films such as "Planet of the Apes," "Boogie Nights," and "Forrest Gump," was overshadowed by his personal actions, leading to a tragic end both for his family and his professional legacy. Before the tragic event, Michael Jace had built a steady career as a character actor, with his most prominent role being that of Officer Julien Lowe on "The Shield." His portrayal of a police officer grappling with his sexuality and moral compass resonated with audiences, showcasing Jace's talent and versatility as an actor.
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Beyond "The Shield," Jace had secured parts in other notable films, including "The Replacements" (2000), "The Fan" (1996), and "State of Play" (2009). He also appeared in the 1995 HBO TV movie "Tyson," where he played boxer Mitch Green. These roles, though often supporting, demonstrated his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters. However, the shadow of his crime now irrevocably taints his previous accomplishments, making it difficult to separate the actor from the horrific act he committed. Michael Andrew Jace was born on July 13, 1962, in Paterson, New Jersey. He grew up in New York City and later attended high school in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he played basketball and baseball. His early life seemed to hold promise, but somewhere along the way, his path veered towards destruction. He had been married twice before April, first to Jennifer Turner Bitterman and then to April Denise Laune.
During the trial, details of the couple's troubled marriage emerged. Jace's attorney argued that the actor was deeply upset by his wife's desire for a divorce. Prosecutors, however, painted a picture of a controlling and jealous husband who suspected April of infidelity. The prosecution presented evidence that Jace had sent text messages to April expressing his suspicions and anger. These messages, along with the testimony of witnesses, helped to establish a motive for the murder. The jury was tasked with weighing the evidence and determining whether Jace had acted with malice aforethought, ultimately concluding that he had.
The sentencing hearing provided another opportunity for the family of April Jace to express their grief and pain. They spoke of the devastating impact her loss had on their lives and the lives of her children. Michael Jace, in turn, offered a statement of remorse, but his words were met with skepticism by some. He acknowledged the gravity of his actions and expressed his deep sorrow, but for many, it was too little, too late. The judge, in handing down the sentence, emphasized the senselessness of the crime and the need for justice to be served. With the sentence of 40 years to life, Michael Jace is likely to spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
Jace is currently incarcerated at Corcoran State Prison in California, a maximum-security facility known for housing some of the state's most dangerous criminals. His life behind bars is a stark contrast to the glamorous world of Hollywood, where he once walked red carpets and entertained audiences. Now, he is just another inmate, stripped of his former identity and facing the consequences of his actions. The case of Michael Jace serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of anger, jealousy, and unchecked emotions. It highlights the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health issues and the devastating impact that domestic violence can have on families and communities.
The legacy of Michael Jace will forever be linked to the tragic murder of his wife. His acting career, once promising, is now relegated to a footnote in the annals of true crime. While he may have entertained audiences with his performances on screen, his actions off-screen have defined him in the eyes of the public. The case serves as a reminder that even those who appear to have it all can be struggling with inner demons that ultimately lead to their downfall. The horrific crimes committed by Michael Jace stand as one example of how the courtroom and criminal drama of certain celebrities far outshines that of any of their professional drama. Whether you want to admit it or not about your faves, crimes committed by actors occur all the time.
The death of April Jace is a profound loss that continues to be felt by her family and friends. She is remembered as a kind, compassionate, and dedicated woman who made a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Her work as a financial aid counselor at Biola University helped countless students achieve their educational goals. Her legacy lives on through her children and the many people whose lives she touched. The case of Michael Jace also raises important questions about the portrayal of violence in media. As an actor who played a police officer on television, Jace was often seen wielding weapons and engaging in violent acts. While these were fictional portrayals, some have argued that they can desensitize individuals to the real-world consequences of violence.
It is important to remember that violence is never the answer and that there are always alternatives to resolving conflict. Seeking help from mental health professionals, engaging in open and honest communication, and practicing empathy and understanding can all help to prevent tragedies like the murder of April Jace. The case of Michael Jace is a complex and multifaceted one, filled with tragedy, heartbreak, and cautionary lessons. It is a reminder that even those who appear to be successful and in control of their lives can be struggling with inner demons that ultimately lead to their downfall. It is a call to action to address the root causes of violence, to support those who are struggling with mental health issues, and to promote empathy, understanding, and non-violent conflict resolution.
In the wake of the tragedy, many have reflected on the warning signs that may have been present in the Jace's relationship. While it is impossible to know for certain what led to the events of that fateful day, it is clear that there were underlying issues that contributed to the escalation of violence. Some have pointed to Jace's financial struggles, his reported depression, and his jealousy as potential factors. Others have emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the signs of domestic violence, such as controlling behavior, verbal abuse, and threats. The case of Michael Jace is a reminder that domestic violence is a pervasive problem that affects people from all walks of life. It is important to be aware of the signs of abuse and to offer support to those who may be in danger.
Resources are available to help victims of domestic violence, including shelters, hotlines, and counseling services. By working together, we can create a society where everyone feels safe and respected. The final chapter of Michael Jace's story is still being written. He remains incarcerated, serving his sentence for the murder of his wife. His acting career is over, and his legacy is forever tarnished. The tragedy of April Jace serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health issues. It is a call to action to promote empathy, understanding, and non-violent conflict resolution in our communities.
The narrative surrounding michael jace, an actor who portrayed a los angeles police officer on the television series the shield, was sentenced today to 40 years to life in prison for shooting his wife in front of their son says he heard shots; Jace's attorney jamon hicks has said the actor was distraught because his wife wanted a divorce. Prosecutors say he also believed she was having an affair.Michael jace was born on 13 july 1962 in paterson, new jersey, usa. he is an actor, known for the replacements (2000), the fan (1996) and state of play (2009).He was previously married to april denise laune and jennifer turner bitterman."there is absolutely no justification for my actions on that night," jace told his wife's family members in court."i am profoundly sorry for the pain that i've caused" whether you want to admit it or not about your faves, crimes committed by actors occur all the time. For certain celebrities, their courtroom and criminal drama far outshines that of any of their professional drama.
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Michael Jace
