by Tennessee – Cold case investigators have concluded that late McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser, who inspired the 1973 film Walking Tall, killed his wife, Pauline Mullins Pusser, in 1967, authorities announced Friday. For decades, the sheriff was celebrated as a crime-fighting legend, but new evidence suggests he led people to believe she was murdered by his enemies.
Cold Case Investigation Uncovers New Evidence
The investigation began in 2022 when the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) started reexamining decades-old files as part of its routine cold case review. According to TBI Director David Rausch, investigators discovered inconsistencies between Pusser’s account and physical evidence, leading them to reopen the case.
District Attorney Mark Davidson emphasized, “This case is not about tearing down a legend. It is about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family and ensuring that the truth is not buried with time.”
Evidence Contradicts Pusser’s Story
As per AP News, On August 12, 1967, Buford Pusser reported that he and his wife were attacked in their car near New Hope Methodist Church, resulting in Pauline’s death and his own injuries. The case was largely built on Pusser’s statements and quickly closed.
However, Dr. Michael Revelle, a forensic expert, reviewed postmortem and crime scene photographs, along with Pusser’s statements. His findings indicated:
- Pauline was likely shot outside the car and then placed inside.
- Cranial trauma did not match the car’s interior.
- Blood spatter on the car’s hood contradicted Pusser’s version.
- The gunshot wound on Pusser’s cheek was a close-contact injury, likely self-inflicted.
- Pauline had a pre-existing healed broken nose, indicating prior domestic violence.
Statements from people familiar with Pauline’s life also corroborated that she had been a victim of domestic abuse, contradicting Pusser’s image as a devoted husband.
Family Receives Closure
Pauline’s younger brother, Griffon Mullins, expressed relief at the investigation’s outcome. He noted in a recorded video, “You would fall in love with her because she was a people person… I loved her with all my heart.”
He added that while he was aware of marital troubles, Pauline rarely spoke about them, making the revelations difficult but ultimately comforting.
Read Also: Texas Man Charged After Friend Killed in Deadly Kevlar Helmet Shooting Game
Public Access to Case Files
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation plans to release the complete case file, exceeding 1,000 pages, to the University of Tennessee at Martin. The university will create an online, searchable database for public access. In the meantime, members of the public may view the files in person or purchase copies.
The Legacy of Buford Pusser
Pusser, who died in a car crash in 1974, was immortalized in Walking Tall and its 2004 remake. While his image as a tough, fair sheriff inspired many in law enforcement, the case highlights the complexities behind public personas and domestic violence.
The new findings aim to provide justice for Pauline Mullins Pusser, nearly six decades after her death, reminding the public that truth and accountability transcend time.
What are your thoughts on this shocking revelation about Buford Pusser? Share your opinions and discuss the case in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
