Chris Proffitt/Eyewitness News
Carmel - New details are emerging about the murder of a Carmel woman found in her home earlier this week and the arrest of her husband. Police haven't charged John Paulsen with the murder but detectives say he's the focus of the investigation.
John Paulsen, who now sits in the Hamilton County jail after his wife was discovered murdered, is better known as J.J. Paulsen, a well-known producer and writer in Hollywood with credits ranging from co-executive producer of TV sitcoms Cosby, Grace Under Fire, The Carol Burnett Show, In Living Color and many more.
"I will say this at this point, he is a focus of the investigation for the homicide," said Lt. Jeff Horner, Carmel Police Department.
According to police documents, the family of 39-year-old Leanne Paulsen hadn't spoken with her since late December. They tell investigators that each time they called, J.J. Paulsen would tell them his wife wasn't there. They became so alarmed that they called police, who entered the home Wednesday and found the couple's 16-month-old son unharmed and Leanne Paulsen's body. It had been there for at least a week and perhaps much longer.
According to court documents, John Paulsen pleaded guilty in January to domestic battery for striking his wife. Documents also show the family deep in debt with the home in foreclosure.
J.J. Paulsen was found by police, wandering some three miles from his Carmel home the night his wife's body was discovered. He refused to talk to detectives and was charged with child endangerment. A judge ordered him held in the Hamilton County jail for 15 days, setting his bond after that at $500,000.
The couple's child is safe with family. We've also learned that Leanne Serrano Paulsen, raised in Carmel, was also a stage actress.
Police won't say if they've recovered a murder weapon. Preliminary autopsy results determined that Leanne Paulsen died from blunt force trauma.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone that has relevant information is asked to call the Carmel Police Department at 571-2500.
