In a dramatic turn of events nearly six decades after the tragic death of Pauline Mullins Pusser, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has identified her husband, Sheriff Buford Pusser, as a suspect in her murder. The case, which has long been shrouded in mystery, has now taken a significant twist, raising questions about the legacy of the once-legendary sheriff.

Pauline was shot and killed in 1967 during what her husband claimed was an ambush intended for him. Pusser, who gained fame as a lawman fighting against corruption and crime, survived a gunshot wound to the face in the incident, which became the narrative celebrated in films like “Walking Tall.” For years, the story of their tragic fate was accepted at face value, but recent investigations have revealed inconsistencies that have changed the course of the case.

District Attorney Mark Davidson announced today that new evidence indicates Pauline’s murder was not an accident but rather an act of “intimate, deliberate violence.” The TBI’s findings suggest that Pauline was likely shot outside the couple’s vehicle, with her body moved inside afterward—contradicting Pusser’s long-held account of events.

“This is a significant moment for justice,” Davidson stated. “The truth matters, and after nearly 60 years, it is time to give dignity and closure to Pauline and her family.”

The renewed investigation began in 2023 after a tip prompted the TBI to exhume Pauline’s body for a fresh autopsy. The results, which revealed prior injuries consistent with interpersonal trauma, have sparked public interest and debate. Many in the community have expressed their desire for transparency, with petitions demanding the release of the TBI’s findings gathering over 400 signatures.

Pauline’s brother, Griffon Mullins, shared his emotional response to the revelations. “This is closure for me. I’ve missed her for 57 years. She was a caring person, and I knew there were problems in her marriage,” he reflected during a video conference at the announcement.

Despite the mounting evidence against him, many in the community continue to defend Buford Pusser, viewing him as a hero who battled corruption and violence. “He was there, and we weren’t,” said Steve Sweat, a historian of Pusser’s legacy. However, others, including podcaster Mike Elam, argue that the evidence suggests Pusser’s narrative may have been manipulated to fit his image.

As the investigation progresses, the TBI has indicated that if Buford Pusser were alive today, they could pursue an indictment against him for his wife’s murder. This revelation has ignited conversations about the nature of justice and the complexities of personal legacy, leaving many in this tight-knit community grappling with the duality of a hero and a suspect.

The Pusser case remains a poignant reminder of the unresolved questions that can linger for decades, and with the TBI’s commitment to uncovering the truth, hope for justice for Pauline Mullins Pusser may finally be within reach.