TV writer sentenced in wife's killing

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. - A former TV comedy writer, who pleaded guilty to killing his wife in their Carmel home, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison. It's a sad story of two alcoholics with two crashing careers, and an innocent child who is now without either biological parent.

J.J. Paulsen, 47, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, moving a corpse, and neglect of a dependant. The most he could get under the agreement was 26 years, and that's what he got.

Paulsen beat his wife, 39-year-old Leanne Paulsen, to death and then put her nude body in the attic. It was at least two weeks later that her body was discovered by police. They found the couple's 16-month-old son unharmed but alone in his crib.

Paulsen was found walking several miles away from the home. His attorney, James Voyles, insists Paulsen is very remorseful.

"It was just a household that was a very dangerous place for both of them because of their alcohol addictions and the things that go with that," said Voyles.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Sonia Leerkamp said, "Well, it's quite bittersweet. I know that they are glad to have all of this behind them, but obviously they're never going to have their sister back. They're never going to have Christopher's mother back."

Christopher is now three-and-a-half years old and has been adopted by his mother's sister and her husband. Although Paulsen has been sentenced to 26 years, his attorney says he could be out in 10.