McNairy County, TN – A shocking new investigation has revealed that the late Sheriff Buford Pusser, a celebrated Tennessee law enforcement officer who inspired the iconic Walking Tall movies, allegedly killed his wife, Pauline Mullins Pusser, in 1967. This revelation has stunned many who grew up admiring Pusser’s tough, crime-fighting legacy.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) reexamination of the decades-old case uncovered disturbing evidence that directly contradicts Pusser’s original account of the events surrounding Pauline’s death, prompting prosecutors to consider an indictment were he alive today.
Reevaluating a Legendary Case
On August 12, 1967, Buford Pusser reported that his wife was fatally shot in a drive-by attack after voluntarily accompanying him on a patrol. According to Pusser’s statement, unknown assailants fired multiple shots into their car near Hope Methodist Church, killing Pauline and injuring him. Pusser himself was hospitalized for 18 days following the incident.
However, recent analysis by experts and investigators challenges this narrative. Dr. Michael Revelle, an emergency medicine physician and medical examiner, concluded that Pauline was likely shot outside the vehicle and then placed inside it. His findings include:
- Cranial trauma inconsistent with the crime scene photos of the vehicle’s interior
- Blood spatter on the car hood indicating wounds occurred outside the vehicle
- The gunshot wound to Pusser’s cheek being a close-contact injury, likely self-inflicted rather than fired from a long distance as claimed
Moreover, autopsy reports revealed Pauline had a healed broken nose, and evidence suggested she was a victim of domestic violence. These details were corroborated by witness statements collected during the probe.
Dignity and Truth for Pauline Mullins Pusser
Mark Davidson, District Attorney for Tennessee’s 25th Judicial District, emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth regardless of Pusser’s iconic status:
“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. The truth matters. Justice matters. Even 58 years later. Pauline deserves both.”
Davidson also noted that many law enforcement officers were inspired by Pusser’s story, including the 1973 Walking Tall movie and its 2004 remake, which immortalized Pusser as a fearless crime fighter.
Family Finds Closure Amidst Decades of Mystery
Pauline’s brother, Griffon Mullins, expressed relief that the long-awaited truth may finally emerge. In a video shared during a news conference, he described Pauline as a beloved person who had quietly endured troubles in her marriage.
“You would fall in love with her because she was a people person. … She was just a sweet person. I loved her with all my heart.”
Mullins disclosed that although he sensed issues between Pauline and Buford, the exact circumstances were unknown until now. This investigation has offered him some measure of closure he hopes will also comfort other family members.
Access to Case Files and Public Transparency
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began reviewing Pauline’s death files in 2022 under routine cold case protocols, leading to this breakthrough. The agency plans to make the exhaustive 1,000-plus page case file publicly accessible via the University of Tennessee at Martin, which will host an online searchable database. Until then, the public can review files in person or purchase copies.
University Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr. confirmed the institution’s role in promoting transparency surrounding this high-profile investigation.
Reflecting on a Complex Legacy
Buford Pusser’s death in a car crash came just seven years after Pauline’s murder, and his legacy had long stood as a symbol of fearless law enforcement. This new investigation forces a reconsideration of his personal history while distinguishing the vital difference between myth and reality.
- 1967: Pauline Mullins Pusser killed, originally ruled a drive-by shooting
- 2022: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reexamines cold case
- Expert analysis: Evidence suggests domestic violence and staged crime scene
- Family response: Mullins family finds closure after decades
- Legacy impact: Questions raised about long-held beliefs surrounding Buford Pusser
As official channels work to provide answers and public access to case details, this story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities behind celebrated figures and the importance of justice, no matter how much time has passed.