Actor pleads not guilty in death of wife

Los Angeles — An actor who played a police officer on The Shield TV show pleaded not guilty to murder Wednesday in the death of his wife and was ordered to stay away from his two young sons.

Michael Jace entered the plea through his attorneys and was told by a judge not to contact his children if he is eventually released on $2m bail.

Jace, 51, is accused of shooting his wife to death on 19 May in their Los Angeles home. The children, both under 10, were home at the time and unharmed.

Jace's attorney, Jason Sias, said his client might seek a reduction of his bail at a future hearing.

The lawyer said Jace did not contest the protective order involving his children because he wants to do what is best for them.

The actor is scheduled to return to court on 1 August for a possible preliminary hearing involving evidence in the case.

Police have not disclosed a motive for the killing but have said they were looking into whether financial or other domestic issues may have been involved.

April Jace, 40, had three sons, including the two with Michael Jace.

Michael Jace also appeared on the show Southland and had small roles in the movies Planet of the Apes, Boogie Nights and Forrest Gump.

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