Shield Actor's Words 'Prove Murder Intent'

Michael Jace starred in The Shield between 2002 and 2008

An actor from TV show The Shield is guilty of murdering his wife because of a comment heard by his son, and remarks he made to detectives and his brother-in-law, a prosecutor has argued.

Deputy District Attorney Tannaz Mokayef used statements made by Michael Jace to argue that the 53-year-old should be convicted of first-degree murder in the 2014 death of April Jace.

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

During closing arguments in Los Angeles Superior Court, Ms Mokayef said the statement showed Jace planned to kill his 40-year-old wife, who was an avid runner.

She added: "Who is going to argue that this was not an intent to kill? Where else is heaven?

"I don't know how you can shoot somebody three times and call it an accident."

Jace admits shooting April three times - once in the back and twice in the legs - claiming he was caught up in the heat of passion.

Defence lawyer Jamon Hicks argued that the case hinges on Jace's mindset at the time of the shooting and said that prosecutors could not prove the killing was premeditated.

He told the court: "He snapped. If you found there was something that provoked this man... and it created some kind of passion in him, that's manslaughter."

Jace played police officer Julien Lowe in the FX show The Shield between 2002 and 2008.

He also had small roles in films including Boogie Nights, Forrest Gump and the TV show Southland.

But he had been out of work for years, and financial struggles had put a strain on his marriage, the court heard.

On the day of the shooting, April Jace told her husband she wanted a divorce and the couple had argued. She was killed moments after returning home from a child's baseball game.

The actor told detectives he shot his wife the first time after she lunged at him.

In a transcript from his police interview revealed on Thursday, he said: "I was just angry. All I intended to do was shoot her in the leg. And then I shot her in the leg, and that was it."

If convicted of first-degree murder, Jace faces 50 years to life in prison.

The trial continues.

By Sky News US Team/ Photo: Sky News