Actor Michael Jace Sentenced to 40 Years to Life for Second-Degree Murder

— -- Actor Michael Jace was sentenced to 40 years to life today in downtown Los Angeles court, according to ABC's Los Angeles station KABC.

The former "Shield" star was found guilty of second-degree murder at the end of last month for murdering his wife, April Jace, two years ago.

Jace, 53, had pleaded not guilty and, according to the Associated Press, claimed to investigators he did not mean to kill her in 2014 when he shot her. Jace had admitted to shooting April Jace once in the back and twice in the legs, according to the AP.

During his trial, Jace's 10-year-old son testified that he heard his father taunt his mother before shooting her. Jace did not take the stand, but his attorney, Jamon Hicks, told jurors that Jace shot his wife in the heat of passion, that he "snapped," according to the AP.

Prosecutor Tannaz Mokayef told jurors during the trial that the altercation stemmed from April Jace wanting a divorce.