Michael Jace, who appeared in The Shield, waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Friday, paving the way for the start of the murder trial.

Jace stands accused of the murder of his wife, April Jace, back in May, to which he has pleaded not guilty, the Los Angeles Times reports.

By waiving the preliminary hearing, the actor acknowledges there is enough evidence in the case to proceed. The next court date for Jace is Aug. 15
As previously reported, Jace allegedly fatally shot his wife on May 19, while the couple's children were home.

Police said that he called the 911 dispatcher to report April's death and allegedly admitted that he was the one who killed her. Jace was found to be unarmed by the time police arrived on the scene.

Neighbors said they witnessed the veteran actor come home on the night of the murder and enter the house without bothering to close the door behind him. Not long after gunshots were heard from within the house.

image courtesy of INFGoff.com