Sheriff, whose life was depicted in Hollywood films, accused of murdering his wife six decades after the incident, as claimed by authorities.

After almost six decades, the mysterious death of Pauline Pusser, the wife of a former Tennessee sheriff, is being re-examined.

In 1967, it was reported that Pauline was shot and killed in an ambush meant for her husband on a rural McNairy County road near the Tennessee-Mississippi state line. However, new details have emerged that question the official account of her death.

Officials discovered a nasal injury on Pauline's body that was separate from the shooting incident, suggesting the shooting happened outside the vehicle, not inside as Buford Pusser, her husband, originally claimed.

This revelation is part of a comprehensive re-examination of the case by the current authorities in Tennessee. The law enforcement and prosecutorial officials, including District Attorney Mark Davidson, reopened the investigation in 2022. They are re-examining the case with new forensic findings and expert analyses suggesting Sheriff Buford Pusser himself was involved in the murder and staged the crime scene.

The TBI completed the investigation process in 2025 and forwarded the file, which included 1,000 pages, to the 25th District Attorney General's office for review. The District Attorney General's Office stated they would have presented an indictment to Buford Pusser for the murder of his wife if he were alive today.

The evidence from the scene of the crime and additional investigation have revealed significant inconsistencies in Buford Pusser's story of what happened on Aug. 12, 1967, and have provided more insights into his relationship with his wife through recent statements made by people who knew them.

Pauline Pusser's death inspired a series of Hollywood films, starting with "Walking Tall" in 1974. Despite the attention brought by these films, Pauline's case remained cold for almost six decades.

Her younger brother, Griffon Mullins, found closure in the recent investigation. Mullins described Pauline as a "sweet person" who was always there for her family. He was "not totally shocked" by the new implications about his sister's marriage due to her tendency not to talk about her problems.

Mullins also said in a recorded video that their other sister died without knowing what happened to Pauline, and he is grateful he will die knowing the truth.

The TBI plans to make the entire investigation file public by handing it over to the University of Tennessee at Martin once it finishes with redactions. They are continuing to investigate Pauline Pusser's murder to restore justice and bring closure to her family.

In 2024, with the family's permission, Pauline Pusser's body was exhumed, and the results of her autopsy were sealed by a court order.

This ongoing investigation has shed new light on a tragic event that has long been a part of Tennessee's history. The authorities hope that the truth will finally be revealed and justice served for Pauline Pusser.

Sheriff, whose life was depicted in Hollywood films, accused of murdering his wife six decades after the incident, as claimed by authorities.