Prosecutors say he killed his wife and tried to kill his sister-in-law. Jurors in Saline County heard opening statements in the case against Michael "Andy" Paulson on Wednesday.
"Other physical evidence will support it that Valarie Paulson was standing up when she was first attacked", said assistant county attorney Christina Trocheck in her opening statements.
Paulson is accused of stabbing Valerie Paulson in 2010, she died from her injuries after being stabbed 19 times. Paulson's sister-in-law, Jessie Putman was also stabbed over a dozen times in the chest and back. She survived by driving to a Salina store for help after the attack took place
Trocheck went on to talk to the jury about how Putman survived the stabbing.
“You will see all of the defensive wounds she has, fighting for her life”.
In court, the defense stated that Michael and Valerie had a rocky marriage that involved debt, infidelity and was nearing divorce. In addition the defense did not deny the murder or the attack on Putman.
“Things come crashing down… he acts not on will but on impulse", added defense attorney Richard Ney on his clients actions.
Ney went on to say that the entire situation is a “tragedy”; he also said that Paulson only remembers bits and pieces of the night of July 6, 2010.
Opening statements wrapped up early in the afternoon on Wednesday, the trial will resume on Monday and court officials expect it to last two or three weeks.
