Former Shield actor Michael Jace will be spending the next 40 years and possibly the rest of his life, behind bars.
After being found guilty late last month for second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, April, two years ago, Jace learned his fate Friday morning.
The Associated Press noted that the actor gave a tearful apology to his wife’s family members in court.
“There is absolutely no justification for my actions on that night,” Jace said. “I am profoundly sorry for the pain that I’ve caused everyone.”
April’s mother walked out of the courtroom while he was still speaking.
Jace was convicted of shooting April in the back and legs with their two sons present. One of the children testified that he heard his father taunt his mother just before the final shots rang out.
The 10-year-old recalled his father saying to his wife, who was an avid runner, “'If you like running, then run to heaven,'” before pulling the trigger again.
In addition to his role on The Shield, Jace had small parts in Planet of the Apes, Boogie Nights and Forrest Gump. April was a financial aid adviser at Biola University.