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Actor Michael Jace convicted of murder in wife's shooting death

By Doug G. Ware

LOS ANGELES, May 31 (UPI) -- Actor Michael Jace was convicted Tuesday of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife two years ago and now faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison.

A Southern California jury deliberated for fewer than three hours Tuesday before concurring on the guilty verdict. Defense attorneys wanted a charge of voluntary manslaughter, arguing that the killing of April Jace was not a premeditated act.

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Jace, 53, who has appeared in several film and television productions in his career, was also convicted on a firearm charge. At his sentencing, he faces 40 years to life in state prison.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Jace was upset that his wife wanted a divorce and seethed over the notion of her seeing someone else. On May 19, 2014, he shot April Jace in the back at the couple's Los Angeles area home.

Defense attorneys argued that Jace was angry and only wanted to inflict pain by shooting her in the leg.

The actor appeared in bit roles in films like Forrest Gump and Boogie Nights but was perhaps best known for his role of police officer Julien Lowe in the FX procedural drama The Shield, which ran from 2002 to 2008.

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Jace is expected to be sentenced on June 10.

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