'The Shield' actor Michael Jace found guilty of murdering his wife

Michael Jace, who played a police officer on the FX drama "The Shield," has been found guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office told TheWrap on Tuesday.

The spokesman added that jurors also found true that Jace used a firearm in the killing. The actor faces 40 years to life in state prison.

Jace had been charged with first-degree murder for the 2014 killing of his wife April Jace.

During the trial, Jace's lawyer said that Jace acknowledged killing his wife, but added that Jace's state of mind would factor heavily in his defense.

Also Read: 'The Shield' Actor Michael Jace Says He Only Wanted to Wound His Wife, Not Kill Her

Prosecutors said that Jace, 53, shot his wife three times at the couple's home, twice in the legs and once in the back, with their two young sons present. During the trial, the couple's 10-year-old son, Nehemiah Jace, testified that he saw his father pull April Jace into a hallway, and then heard his father tell her, "If you like running, then run to heaven," the Associated Press reported.

"Then he shot her," the boy continued.

Also Read: Michael Jace Murder Trial: Actor's Son Testifies That He Heard His Mother Get Shot

Jace told police that he initially intended to take his own life with the gun, but ultimately couldn't muster up the courage and decided to take aim at his wife.

"I was just angry," Jace said. "All I intended to do was shoot her in the leg. And then I shot her in the leg and that was it."

Jace was reportedly upset that his wife planned to divorce him, and suspected her of being unfaithful.