News that The Shield actor Michael Jace shot and killed his wife in front of their two children shocked the media but the back story is revealing that it probably should have been seen coming.
Jace, 48, was reportedly facing foreclosure of his home after filing bankruptcy in 2011 and the increasing stress stirred arguments with his slain wife, April. It was also documented that he was physically violent with his first wife, Jennifer Bitterman.
Reports TMZ:
Jace — who was booked Tuesday morning for allegedly murdering his wife April — went through a divorce in 1997. In the docs — obtained by TMZ — a friend of Jennifer Bitterman claims she personally witnessed Jace choking and slamming Jennifer against a wall … as his 6-month-old son screamed in his crib next to them.
The friend says he was raging and out of control and “seeing the extent of his anger was one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen.”
Michael Jace and his wife were locked in an angry argument over money before he allegedly murdered her … law enforcement sources tell TMZ.
We’re told “The Shield” star was facing serious money problems and it became a source of family conflict.
There’s certainly evidence showing there was great financial stress. TMZ has learned Jace filed for bankruptcy in March 2011. He filed for Chapter 13, allowing him to restructure and reduce his mortgage payments.
Jace owed $411K on his South L.A. home where he shot his wife. Jace stopped paying his mortgage and was on the brink of a foreclosure sale … according to documents obtained by TMZ.
Possibly the most tragic finding in the ordeal is April Jace actually testified in Michael’s favor when he was accused of laying lethal paws on Jennifer.
It’s probably the wrong time to say it but chances are Bitterman is thinking “I told you so.”
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Photo: Reggie Collier/WENN
