For decades, the tragic death of Pauline Mullins Pusser, the wife of the iconic Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser, was believed to be a result of an ambush aimed at her husband. However, recent findings from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) have raised significant questions about this narrative. A report revealed inconsistencies in Buford Pusser's accounts to law enforcement and others, as discussed by District Attorney Mark Davidson during a press conference.
Law enforcement officials have discovered a range of evidence—including physical, medical, forensic, ballistic, and reenactment data—that contradicts the story that Buford Pusser told about his wife’s murder in 1967. This case, which inspired the 1973 film Walking Tall and its sequels, as well as a 2004 remake and numerous books, has now taken a dramatic turn. Buford Pusser tragically died in a car accident in 1974, but the investigation into his wife’s death continues to unfold.
Buford Pusser claimed that his wife volunteered to accompany him during an early morning disturbance call when they were ambushed. He alleged that a vehicle pulled alongside them, firing multiple shots that resulted in Pauline's death and left him injured. However, investigators now believe that Pauline was shot outside the vehicle and then placed inside it, a narrative that sharply contrasts with Buford's initial claims.
This cold case remained dormant for decades until TBI agents revisited the archived files in 2022, leading to collaborative efforts with the district attorney's office. In 2023, a renewed investigation saw significant advancements, including the exhumation of Pauline Mullins Pusser for an autopsy in early 2024. “It has been said that the dead cannot cry out for justice; it is the duty of the living to do so,” said Davidson, emphasizing the importance of this investigation even after 58 years.
Utilizing modern forensic science and investigative methods unavailable in 1967, the new autopsy indicated that Pauline suffered cranial trauma inconsistent with the crime scene photographs of the vehicle where she was reportedly killed. Furthermore, blood splatter analysis showed evidence contradicting Buford's account, indicating that the crime scene may have been staged.
Interestingly, the forensic investigation also revealed that Buford Pusser's gunshot wound was a close-contact injury, suggesting it may have been self-inflicted rather than from a long-range shot, as he originally described. This has led investigators to believe that both Pauline and Buford were injured both inside and outside the vehicle.
Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, David Rausch, acknowledged that the case, largely based on Buford's statements, may have closed too quickly. A tip received in the spring of 2023 about a potential murder weapon also reignited interest in the case. The autopsy revealed that Pauline had a nasal fracture, typically associated with interpersonal trauma, prior to her untimely death.
Investigators believe that had the evidence been available earlier, it could have led to a criminal indictment for murder against Buford Pusser. “Pauline's death was not an accident or an act of chance; it was an act of intimate violence,” Davidson stated, affirming the need for justice for Pauline and her family.
Griffon Mullins, Pauline Pusser's brother, expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their diligent work in uncovering the truth. He reflected on the long journey to closure, stating, “To be perfectly honest with you, I'm not terribly shocked. I loved her with all my heart and I've missed her horribly this last 57 years.” Mullins acknowledged the complexities of Pauline's marriage, noting that while she was private about her struggles, he sensed underlying issues.
The investigation into Pauline Mullins Pusser's death not only seeks to uncover the truth but also aims to provide closure to a family that has suffered for far too long. As this significant case continues to evolve, many hope it will bring the long-awaited justice that Pauline deserves.
