The Unmasking of a Legend: The Buford Pusser Cold Case
For decades, Buford Pusser, the McNairy County Sheriff, was celebrated as a crime-fighting hero, his story even inspiring the iconic film “Walking Tall.” However, a recent cold case review paints a drastically different picture, casting a long shadow over his legacy. This investigation, conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), has unearthed compelling evidence suggesting that Pusser himself was responsible for the death of his wife, Pauline Mullins Pusser, in 1967.
A Legacy Shattered: Re-examining the 1967 Death of Pauline Pusser
The Original Narrative: A Drive-by Shooting?
The initial account, presented by Pusser himself, described a brutal drive-by shooting. He claimed that he and Pauline were ambushed while responding to a disturbance, leaving Pauline dead and him severely injured. This narrative, largely based on Pusser’s testimony, resulted in the case’s closure for nearly six decades.
The TBI Investigation: Unveiling Inconsistencies
The TBI’s 2022 cold case review, however, uncovered significant inconsistencies between Pusser’s account and the physical evidence. A renewed investigation, prompted by a tip regarding a potential murder weapon, led to the exhumation of Pauline’s remains for a new autopsy. This forensic examination, along with a thorough re-analysis of the crime scene, revealed crucial discrepancies.
Forensic Evidence Challenges the Official Story
The renewed investigation revealed that Pauline’s injuries were not consistent with a drive-by shooting. Blood spatter patterns at the scene directly contradicted Pusser’s description of the events. Furthermore, Dr. Michael Revelle, an emergency medicine physician and medical examiner, determined that Pauline’s cranial trauma did not align with the interior of the vehicle, as Pusser had claimed. The evidence strongly suggests that Pauline was shot outside the car and subsequently placed inside to fabricate a drive-by scenario.
A Hidden History of Abuse: Unveiling a Troubled Marriage
The autopsy also revealed evidence of past abuse suffered by Pauline, including a healed broken nose. This discovery sheds light on a previously concealed history of domestic violence within the Pusser marriage. This evidence suggests a pattern of violence that Buford Pusser successfully hid from the public eye for years.
The Family’s Reaction and Pursuit of Justice
Pauline’s brother, Griffon Mullins, expressed a mixture of relief and sorrow upon learning the results of the investigation. While acknowledging some awareness of marital difficulties, he described his sister as a kind and beloved person, highlighting the deep impact of her loss on the family. His reaction underscores the long-lasting pain caused by the unresolved mystery surrounding Pauline’s death.
The Path to Justice: A Pursuit of Truth and Closure
District Attorney Mark Davidson emphasized that this investigation is not about destroying a legend but about honoring Pauline’s memory and ensuring that justice is served, even after nearly six decades. The TBI plans to release the complete case file (over 1,000 pages) to the University of Tennessee at Martin after redactions, making the extensive evidence available for public scrutiny. This commitment to transparency ensures that the truth behind Pauline Pusser’s death will finally be revealed, offering long-overdue closure to her family and the public. The pursuit of justice, even years later, reinforces the importance of persistent investigation and the pursuit of truth in even the most entrenched cases.
