Colleagues and students at Biola University have been left stunned by the death of April Jace, wife of The Shield actor Michael Jace.

April, who worked in the private Christian university's Financial Aid Office, suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the shooting on Monday evening and the LAPD said she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbours of the couple report hearing arguing before gunshots were fired, reports NBC4. Their two children were at home at the time and witnessed the shooting.

Michael was arrested on suspicion of her murder and charged on Tuesday morning.

The Daily Mail reports the couple were fighting over money.

The newspaper also claims to have seen divorce papers detailing past instances of violence by Michael towards first wife Jennifer Bitterman, whom he divorced in 2002.

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."