Famed Tennessee sheriff who inspired Hollywood movie ‘Walking Tall’ implicated in wife’s murder

The case of Pauline Mullins Pusser, the wife of legendary Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser, has taken a shocking turn with new evidence suggesting that it was Buford Pusser himself who killed his wife, rather than her being the victim of an ambush meant for him.

According to a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation report, District Attorney Mark Davidson revealed “inconsistencies in Buford Pusser’s statements to law enforcement and others” at a recent press conference. This new evidence includes physical, medical, forensic, ballistic, and reenactment evidence that contradicts the sheriff’s original account of his wife’s 1967 murder.

Buford Pusser’s story of the ambush inspired the famous movie “Walking Tall” in 1973, as well as several sequels, a 2004 remake, and numerous books. However, the sheriff himself died in a car accident in 1974.

Davidson emphasized that the goal of reexamining this case was not to tear down a legend but to provide closure and dignity to Pauline and her family while ensuring that the truth is not buried with time.

The sheriff had originally reported that his wife had volunteered to accompany him on a disturbance call in the early morning hours. He claimed that they were ambushed by unknown assailants in a car, resulting in Pauline’s death and injuries to himself. However, investigators now believe that Pauline was shot outside the vehicle and then placed inside, contrary to Buford Pusser’s initial statements.

Modern forensic techniques and investigative methods not available in 1967 were used to reexamine the case. A new autopsy revealed discrepancies in Buford Pusser’s account, including a close-contact gunshot wound to his cheek that was likely self-inflicted. The crime scene was also determined to have been staged.

The autopsy of Pauline Pusser uncovered evidence of prior interpersonal trauma, including a healed nasal fracture. Investigators now believe that there is enough probable cause to have indicted Buford Pusser for murder if he were alive today.

Griffon Mullins, Pauline’s brother, expressed gratitude for the law enforcement’s work and urged acceptance of the investigation’s findings. He shared his devastation at the revelation but also his relief at finally getting closure after so many years.

“I loved her with all my heart and I’ve missed her horribly this last 57 years,” Mullins said in a recorded statement. “She didn’t tell me a whole lot. She wasn’t the type of person to tell you her problems, but I knew deep down there were problems in her marriage.”

The investigation into Pauline Pusser’s death serves as a reminder that justice can be pursued even decades later, ensuring that the truth prevails and closure is achieved for those left behind.