Famed sheriff Buford Pusser who inspired Hollywood’s ‘Walking Tall’ actually murdered his wife, investigators now say
Authorities in Tennessee revealed Friday that Buford Pusser, the famed sheriff whose fight against organized crime inspired the 1973 film Walking Tall, likely killed his wife in 1967 — a crime he blamed on criminal enemies at the time.
Tennessee’s 25th Judicial District Attorney Mark Davidson said there is now enough evidence that, had Pusser still been alive, prosecutors would seek his indictment for the murder of his wife, Pauline Mullins Pusser.
“This case is not about tearing down a legend,” Davidson said during a press conference. “It’s about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family. The truth matters. Justice matters. Even 58 years later. Pauline deserves both.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) began reexamining the case in 2022 during a routine cold case review. That investigation uncovered inconsistencies in Pusser’s original story, physical evidence that contradicted it, signs of past domestic violence, and even a possible murder weapon.
Pauline’s body was exhumed for a new autopsy, which, along with expert analysis, cast serious doubt on the long-accepted narrative.
The Original Story — And Its Breakdown
On August 12, 1967, Sheriff Pusser claimed he and Pauline were ambushed while driving together to respond to a call. According to Pusser, another car pulled up beside them and opened fire, killing Pauline and injuring him.
Pusser was hospitalized for 18 days with facial injuries and underwent multiple surgeries. His account formed the basis of the investigation at the time, and the case was quickly closed.
However, new forensic analysis tells a different story.
Dr. Michael Revelle, a medical examiner, reviewed crime scene photographs, postmortem images, and Buford Pusser’s own statements. He concluded that Pauline was likely shot outside the car and then placed inside it. Her head injuries didn’t match the inside of the vehicle, and blood spatter found on the hood conflicted with the account of shots being fired into the car.
Additionally, the gunshot wound to Pusser’s cheek was determined to be a close-contact wound, not one fired from long range — suggesting it may have been self-inflicted.
Pauline also had a previously broken nose that had healed, further indicating a pattern of abuse. Investigators said statements from people close to the couple support the conclusion that she was a victim of domestic violence.
A Hollywood Legacy, Reexamined
Pusser’s story captivated the nation in the 1970s, portraying him as a fearless lawman who stood up to organized crime. His legacy inspired not only the original Walking Tall film but also a 2004 remake, and he remains a hero to many in law enforcement.
Davidson acknowledged the emotional weight of the new findings. “Many officers joined law enforcement because of his story,” he said.
Pusser died in a car accident in 1974, just seven years after Pauline’s death.
Closure for Pauline’s Family
Pauline’s younger brother, Griffon Mullins, said the findings have finally brought him closure.
“You would fall in love with her because she was a people person,” Mullins said in a recorded statement. “My family would always go to Pauline if they had an issue or needed advice. She was always there for them. I loved her with all my heart.”
He said he was aware there were problems in Pauline’s marriage, though she rarely spoke about them. “For that reason, I’m not totally shocked,” he added.
Mullins expressed gratitude for the investigation, saying it brought long-awaited answers — even if they were painful.
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