Celebrity News June 10, 2016
'Shield' Actor Michael Jace Breaks Silence on Murder, Victim's Mother Storms Out of Courttroom
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'Shield' Actor Michael Jace Breaks Silence on Murder, Victim's Mother Storms Out of Courttroom
Michael Jace broke his silence on Friday as a judge sentenced him to 40 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of his wife April.
The “Shield” actor's words sparked outrage in the courtroom, prompting April's mother Kay Henry to storm out in disgust.
According to the New York Daily News, he said, "There is no justification for my actions on that night at all.”
"I am profoundly sorry for the pain that I have caused everyone, everyone who knew April and loved April. There is no replacing April," he said.
Jace continued, "Second-degree versus manslaughter, it doesn't matter, neither verdict brings her back. But I thought it was important (to say) that I didn't commit first-degree murder. There was no premeditated anything. I realize it doesn't bring her back. It doesn't help."
At that point Henry, who had previously told the court in a victim impact statement that the murder “would alter our family forever,” walked out, saying she didn't want to listen to “this s**t.”
After the disturbance, Jace said, "There's nothing more to say. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.”
The judge then handed down the maximum sentence.
A Los Angeles jury found the former "Shield" star guilty last month after less than three hours of deliberations over a two-day span.
The prosecution had originally pushed for first-degree murder, but the charge was later changed because the jury did not believe the shooting was premeditated.
The defense claimed that Jace had only meant to hurt his wife when he shot her three times, not to kill her. April had told him earlier in the day that she wanted a divorce.
The murder occurred in front of the couple's two young children.
During the trial, the couple's 10-year-old son testified that he saw his father standing over his mother, delivering the message, "You like to run, why don't you run to heaven," before shooting April three times in the legs.
