Michael Jace is booked for murder after shooting and killing his wife April Jace in their family home on May 16. While police are continuing the investigation to the murder, people are wondering just who is Michael Jace.

Film and TV Credits

Michael Jace, 51 years old, is best known for his roles playing police officers. According to ABCnews, the biggest and longest-running role in his 22-year acting career was playing Los Angeles police officer Julien Lowe in the FX police drama 'The Shield." In the series, Jace appeared in 89 episodes from 2002 to 2008, where he played as a rookie officer who climbed the ranks to being a detective while struggling with his sexuality. He also acted in another TV drama about Los Angeles police called "Southland," where he appeared in several episodes between 2009 and 2012.

Being famous for his roles as a law enforcement officer, he was offered a part in in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Private Practice," "The Mentalist," "Burn Notice," and "NYPD Blue." In 1999, he starred as NBA great Michael Jordan in the television movie, "Michael Jordan: An American Hero."

On the big screen, Michael Jace starred opposite Russell Crowe in the 2009 movie "State of Play." He also portrayed a member of the Black Panther party in the 1994 blockbuster movie "Forrest Gump" (photo). Jace also appeared in 1997's "Boogie Nights" and 2001's "Planet of the Apes." He also starred in 2000's "The Replacements" opposite Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman.

Married Life

Michael Jace celebrated his tenth wedding anniversary with April Jace last June. April was Jace's second wife after his marriage to Jennifer Bitterman ended in 2002. April and Jace has two children.

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Financial Woes

According to Cbc.ca, Michael Jace had been experiencing financial struggles for several years. In 2011, he filed for bankruptcy, listing between $500,000 and $1 million in debts, most of it owed on his home in the Hyde Park section, which is believed to be on the brink of foreclosure.

Associated Press added that the actor also owed more than $22,000 in income taxes, and still owes the state of California more than $20,000 in back taxes for 2008. When he filed for bankruptcy, he had agreed to a repayment plan, but by last November he had already fallen $2,000 behind.

Domestic Violence

Michael Jace has a contentious custody battle with his ex-wife Jennifer Bitterman, according to DaiyMail. He was accused of being abusive to Bitterman and sometimes neglecting their infant son Jordan. He allegedly has an explosive temper and also threatened to kill her. In 2006, he sent an email to Bitterman which read "Do you want to have a f***king war with me? I will f***ing kill you!"

Bitterman's friend, Maria de la Vega, testified against the actor, claiming he would become violent several time. In 2007, she said that Jace choked Bitterman and slammed her head into a wall while their son Jordan was crying in a crib next to them. She added that she also saw at least three more incidents of violence between 1996 and when Jace filed for divorce in 1997.

Michael Jace wrote in his filing that he and Bitterman "were both guilty of overstepping physical boundaries."