The murder of Pauline Mullins Pusser, wife of renowned Tennessee lawman Buford Pusser, long believed to have been committed by his adversaries, now points to him as the prime suspect nearly six decades later.
The case was reopened following a review that found Buford Pusser’s statements “incompatible” with forensic evidence.
Last Friday, after extensive investigations, authorities announced the discovery of “sufficient evidence” indicating that Pusser, who has since died, shot his wife on August 12, 1967, and made it appear as though she was killed by “enemies.”
Investigators further stated that Pauline, then 33, suffered domestic violence at the hands of the legendary lawman.
“This is not about destroying a legend but about giving dignity and peace to Pauline and her family, ensuring the truth prevails over time. Justice matters, even if it takes over five decades,” said investigator Mark Davidson during an online press conference last Friday from Tennessee.
Investigators Found Contradictions After Review
The case was shelved but was reviewed in 2022 as part of routine proceedings.
No arrests were made at the time of the homicide. The investigation largely relied on Buford Pusser’s testimonies.
However, the case review revealed “physical, medical, forensic, ballistic, and reconstruction evidence contradicting the officer’s account” regarding Pauline’s death.
During the incident, Buford claimed to have received a tip-off on the morning of August 12th, which Pauline offered to accompany him to investigate. During their journey, a vehicle approached, and a gunman shot Pauline.
Buford insisted the attack targeted him due to his crackdown on gambling, prostitution, and illegal alcohol production in Tennessee. Given previous assassination attempts, the authorities trusted him.
Recent analyses indicate Pauline was shot outside the vehicle and later placed inside. Moreover, her head injuries and the blood spatters in the car conflict with her husband’s account.
A ballistics expert even suggested the crime scene was staged.
The autopsy revealed Pauline had a previously healed broken nose, aligning with contemporaneous accounts of her suffering domestic abuse.
Buford Pusser inspired the 1973 film ‘Walking Tall’ due to his fight against corruption and organized crime. He died in a car crash seven years after Pauline’s murder in 1974.
