Sheriff, whose life served as inspiration for multiple Hollywood films, accused of murdering his wife over half a century after the alleged crime, as per authorities' claims
In a shocking turn of events, the death of Pauline Pusser, the wife of the late Buford Pusser (McNairy County sheriff in 1967), is being reexamined after nearly 60 years. This case, which has remained cold for almost six decades, has gained renewed attention due to new investigations and developments.
Pauline Pusser was reportedly shot and killed on Aug. 12, 1967, in an ambush meant for her husband, while she was in a vehicle driven by him on a rural McNairy County road near the Tennessee-Mississippi state line. Buford Pusser, who claimed that the shooting occurred inside the vehicle, has been the focus of scrutiny as evidence from the crime scene suggests otherwise.
Griffon Mullins, Pauline Pusser's younger brother, has expressed gratitude for knowing the truth about his sister's death. He shared a video statement expressing his love for Pauline Pusser and his feelings about the recent investigation. Mullins, who knew there was trouble in his sister's marriage but she did not talk about her problems, found closure in the new developments.
The authorities involved in the investigation include local law enforcement and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), while the TBI is responsible for making the entire investigation file publicly accessible. After additional investigation, authorities discovered significant inconsistencies in Buford Pusser's story of what happened on Aug. 12, 1967, and learned more about his relationship with Pauline Pusser through recent statements made by people who knew them.
The TBI completed the investigation process in 2025, and the file was forwarded to the 25th District Attorney General's office for review. The District Attorney General's Office stated they would have indicted Buford Pusser for the murder of his wife if he were alive today. The TBI plans to make the entire investigation file public after redactions, handing it over to the University of Tennessee at Martin.
The death record of Pauline Pusser does not align with the statements made by her husband, Buford Pusser. Officials found a separate nasal injury on Pauline Pusser's autopsy report, which further supports the theory that the shooting occurred outside the vehicle.
The recent developments in Pauline Pusser's case were shared at a press conference held by the 25th Judicial District Attorney General, TBI, and the University of Tennessee at Martin. The case, which inspired a series of Hollywood films, starting with "Walking Tall" in 1974, followed by sequels and a remake starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in 2004, is finally moving towards justice.
Despite the attention brought by the films, Pauline Pusser's case remained cold for almost six decades. Now, with the family's permission, Pauline Pusser's body was exhumed in 2024, and the results of her autopsy were sealed by a court order. Mullins expressed his feelings about the recent investigation, describing Pauline Pusser as a "people person" who was always there for her family.
Buford Pusser died in a car accident seven years after the death of his wife. The reexamination of Pauline Pusser's murder case is a significant step towards bringing closure to the family and providing answers to the public about this tragic event.
