The man once immortalized by Hollywood as a symbol of justice is now suspected of having orchestrated the violent death of his own wife nearly six decades ago.
According to Fox News, a new investigation by Tennessee authorities concluded that former McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser likely killed his wife in 1967 and staged the scene to conceal his involvement.
Buford Pusser served as sheriff in McNairy County, Tennessee, and gained notoriety as the inspiration for the movie “Walking Tall.” On August 12, 1967, Pusser reported that he and his wife were ambushed on a rural road in Guys, Tennessee. According to his account, gunfire from a passing car struck and killed his wife, Pauline Mullins Pusser, as she sat beside him.
For years, that version of events remained uncontested. Authorities initially closed the investigation based on Buford’s testimony. The story was widely accepted, and Pusser’s reputation as a fearless lawman was left intact.
Cold case reopened decades later by Tennessee agency
In 2022, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reopened Pauline Pusser's case as part of a broader cold case review initiative. This reexamination included forensic techniques not available at the time of the original investigation.
Among the pivotal steps was a 2024 exhumation of Pauline’s remains from Adamsville Cemetery. Medical examiner Dr. Michael Revelle conducted a new evaluation and found that her cranial injuries were inconsistent with the interior of the vehicle described in Buford’s account.
The TBI released their findings on August 29, 2025, stating that there is now probable cause to conclude that Pauline was shot outside the vehicle. Investigators believe her body was then staged inside to support Buford’s version of a roadside ambush.
Physical evidence and forensic details contradict earlier statements
New analysis of blood spatter around the vehicle and the surrounding area played a key role in shifting investigators' views. According to TBI findings, the patterns did not match claims that bullets came from a passing car. Instead, they suggest a closer-range attack that contradicts the idea of a random ambush.
Dr. Revelle also noted signs of prior injury on Pauline’s body, including what appeared to be a healed broken nose. This pointed to a potential history of domestic abuse, previously unacknowledged in the case file.
Pauline’s brother, Griffon Mullins, shared memories that hint at underlying family issues. “I knew there was some trouble in Pauline's marriage, but she wasn't one to talk about her problems,” he said. “For that reason, I was not totally shocked.”
District attorney says justice still matters after decades
District Attorney Mark Davidson of Tennessee’s 25th Judicial District emphasized the significance of the reopened case. "This case is not about tearing down a legend," Davidson stated. “It is about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family and ensuring that the truth is not buried with time.”
He added, “The truth matters. Justice matters. Even 58 years later. Pauline deserves both.”
Authorities confirmed that had Buford Pusser not died in a car accident in 1974, they would have moved forward with an indictment for first-degree murder. Davidson said the passage of time does not lessen the value of seeking accountability.
Public records to be released for transparency
The TBI compiled more than 1,000 pages of documents during its new investigation into Pauline's death. Officials plan to release the redacted files publicly through the University of Tennessee at Martin for historical and academic review.
This move reflects the agency’s stated goal of correcting the historical record and offering transparency. In their view, the long-held public belief in Buford Pusser's account deserves official reevaluation.
The Pusser family has not released a public statement since the new findings were made available. However, community reactions in McNairy County have been mixed, with some expressing disbelief and others acknowledging long-held suspicions.
Victim remembered as compassionate and kind
Griffon Mullins remembers his sister as deeply caring and beloved by her family. “You would fall in love with her because she was a people person,” he said. “She was just a sweet person. I loved her with all my heart.”
Despite lingering questions for decades, Griffon said his family never stopped wondering about the truth. The new findings brought some confirmation, even as they reopened emotional wounds.
The reinvestigation underscores the evolving nature of forensic science and the importance of revisiting decades-old cases. For Pauline's loved ones, it offers hope that even after many years, truth can emerge.
