New details have emerged about Michael Jace's allegedly violent past. The actor, best known for his role on the FX series The Shield, was arrested and charged with murder on Tuesday morning after admitting to shooting his wife, April Jace, in the face, in plain view of their two young sons. 
According to TMZ, Jace has a history of domestic violence. During a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, Jennifer Bitterman, his former spouse accused him of violently attacking her on a regular basis. She claimed in one incident, Jace choked her and slammed her against the wall, all in front of their 6-month-old son, who was screaming in his crib.
In a sad twist of irony, April Jace had defended her husband during the trial, testifying that he was a good father and husband who provided a stable home for their children. While she didn't make reference to Bitterman's allegations, April accused her husband's ex of being a bad mother and said that their son Jordan habitually prayed for Bitterman and "asked God to protect her."
To deepen the irony, April Jace reportedly had a degree in early adolescent child psychology.
As for what drove Jace into a homicidal rage on Monday night, TMZ reports that money troubles may have contributed. According to the site, Jace is nearly broke and the couple was on the brink of foreclosure of their Los Angeles home, the same one at which the murder of April Jace took place. Sources claim that financial stress had put a strain on their marriage.
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 (Photo: Chris Polk/FilmMagic for Fox Home Entertainment)