Michael Jace charged with wife's murder as Biola University grieves loss of 'kind' counsellor

The Shield Actor Michael Jace has been formally charged with the murder of his wife, April, a financial aid counsellor at Biola University.

The private Christian university has been mourning the tragic death of the much loved staff member, shot dead at the family home in LA on Monday.

Jace, 51, played Detective Julien Lowe in FX show, The Shield, and had appeared in several movies, including Forrest Gump and Planet of the Apes.

He had been married to April, his second wife, for 10 years and their two children were at home at the time of the shooting. They have been taken into care.

Jace faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted. The motive remains unclear.

People have been leaving tributes to April on Biola University's website:

Michele McArtgur:
Our family is truly heartbroken for April's family. I was working with April on a special circumstance for financial aid for my daughter who will be attending Biola in the fall. April was a pleasure and very personable and thorough. May the God of the Bible comfort her family...and the Holy Spirit convict her husband. Sweet Jesus..we know you are holding her now. Thank you for your salvation.

Michele B:
Simply heart breaking. April was so kind to my son who is incoming this Fall. My condolences to the Biola family. May the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you to comfort you all in this difficult time. Praying for her precious children. May God have mercy on her husband.

Cori M:
I am in disbelief! I got to know April last semester when she helped me navigate through finaid red tape. Daily I used to see her and talk with her about my finaid and other things. She commented, once, on my hair saying, "I think I've been workin' with you a really long time to know when you change your hair color." This little comment shows her diligence in her work and clear attention to detail. I felt very cared by April. Her joyful personality always lightened the mood in the office, even when she was reporting bad news with my account. I wouldn't have been able to stay at Biola and graduate this spring semester if it wasn't for April's vast knowledge of Biola's system and her motivating encouragement for me to continue trying, even when I was staring in the face of hopelessness. May The Lord comfort and provide for her family during this time of loss.

Anna Campos:
I didn't know April personally, but last year she greatly helped our family with her professional knowledge of explaining the options for student loans. My daughter attends Biola because a person like April genuinely cared with hope in faith that God would make a way for Ashley to attend her second year. April's kindness, attitude and help will be greatly appreciated always. Thank you April, you will be missed. May this tragic accident some how, some way bring glory to God to help other women who need to know the saving grace of our Lord Jesus.

April had been a counsellor at Biola's Financial Aid Office since March 2013. In a statement, the La Mirada-based university expressed its "deep sadness" over her death.

"We are obviously shocked and saddened by this terrible news, to lose a wonderful colleague, mother and friend," said Biola president Barry H Corey.

"The Biola family will stand with this precious family and the employees who are grieving today, and my prayer is that the God of all comfort will be our refuge and peace."

Geoff Marsh, senior director of Financial Aid at Biola, paid tribute to his colleague.

"April's radiant personality brought great energy to the Financial Aid Office," he said.

"Her love for helping students and families and her great work ethic earned the respect and love of her coworkers. Her smiling face and helpful spirit will be missed by all."