Shield Actor Found Guilty Of Wife's Killing

An actor who portrayed a police officer on the TV show The Shield has been convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his wife.

Michael Jace, 53, admitted he shot April Jace three times in 2014 but claimed it was in the heat of passion and not premeditated.

His defence had sought a conviction on the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.

The prosecution, however, pushed jurors to find Jace guilty of first-degree murder.

During the week-long trial in Los Angeles, Deputy District Attorney Tannaz Mokayef used statements made by Jace to argue that the killing was premeditated.

She also cited testimony from the couple's 10-year-old son, who heard his father tell Mrs Jace "if you like running, then run to heaven".

Ms Mokayef argued that the statement showed Jace planned to kill his 40-year-old wife, who was an avid runner.

The prosecutor said Jace was upset that his wife wanted a divorce and believed she was having an affair.

No evidence was presented during the trial to suggest Mrs Jones had cheated on her husband.

Jace, who did not testify in his own defence, told investigators he planned to shoot his wife in the legs so she would feel pain.

Mrs Jones was shot once in the back and twice in the legs.

Her adult son, Savoy Brown, said the family was pleased with Tuesday's verdict.

Jace faces between 40 years and life in prison.

Outside of his TV career, Jace had small roles in films such as Planet of the Apes, Boogie Nights and Forrest Gump.