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Opening statements expected in ‘Shield’ actor murder trial

FILE - In this May 22, 2014 file photo, actor Michael Jace appears in court in Los Angeles. Jace's murder trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 23, 2016, in downtown Los Angeles. The actor best known for playing a police officer on the FX series "The Shield"� is charged with shooting his wife to death in their Los Angeles home on May 19, 2014 and faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted. (AP Photo/David McNew, Pool, File)
FILE - In this May 22, 2014 file photo, actor Michael Jace appears in court in Los Angeles. Jace's murder trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 23, 2016, in downtown Los Angeles. The actor best known for playing a police officer on the FX series "The Shield"� is charged with shooting his wife to death in their Los Angeles home on May 19, 2014 and faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted. (AP Photo/David McNew, Pool, File) FILE - In this May 22, 2014 file photo, actor Michael Jace appears in court in Los Angeles. Jace's murder trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 23, 2016, in downtown Los Angeles. The actor best known for playing a police officer on the FX series "The Shield"� is charged with shooting his wife to death in their Los Angeles home on May 19, 2014 and faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted. (AP Photo/David McNew, Pool, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Opening statements are expected to begin Tuesday in the murder trial of an actor who played a police officer in the television series “The Shield.”

Attorneys and a judge are hoping to finalize jury selection Tuesday and begin opening statements in the trial of Michael Jace, who is accused of killing his wife of nine years in a shooting that was at least partially witnessed by their young sons.

The actor called a police dispatcher and said he had killed his wife, authorities say. A recording of the call has not been released.

Jace also phoned his father-in-law to pick up the children, according to another 911 call released by fire officials.

The actor has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys have said his state of mind on the day of the killing will be a key element of his defense.