A recent investigation has revealed that Buford Pusser, a former sheriff from Tennessee and the inspiration for the film "Walking Tall," killed his wife, Pauline Mullins Pusser, in 1967. Authorities announced last week that Pusser staged the murder to make it appear as if she was killed by his enemies. This revelation is likely to shock many who admired Pusser as a crime-fighting hero.

Mark Davidson, the district attorney for Tennessee’s 25th Judicial District, stated that there is sufficient evidence to indict Pusser for the murder if he were alive today. Pusser, who served as sheriff of McNairy County, died in a car accident seven years after his wife's death. The 1973 film and its 2004 remake portrayed him as a tough sheriff with a strong stance against crime, inspiring many to pursue careers in law enforcement.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reopened the case in 2022 as part of a cold case review. During this process, investigators found inconsistencies between Pusser's account of the events and the physical evidence. They also discovered signs of domestic violence in Pauline's past.

According to Davidson, the investigation began after agents received a tip about a potential murder weapon. They exhumed Pauline's body for an autopsy, which revealed that she likely suffered cranial trauma that did not match the crime scene evidence. Dr. Michael Revelle, an emergency medicine physician and medical examiner, concluded that Pauline was likely shot outside the vehicle and then placed inside it to support Pusser's narrative.

Blood spatter patterns on the car and the surrounding area contradicted Pusser's statements about the shooting. Additionally, the autopsy showed that Pauline had a healed broken nose, indicating prior abuse.

Griffon Mullins, Pauline's younger brother, expressed relief at the investigation's findings. He shared that their family often turned to Pauline for support and advice. "You would fall in love with her because she was a people person," he said. Mullins acknowledged that he was aware of some issues in Pauline's marriage but noted that she rarely discussed her problems.

Davidson emphasized that the investigation is not intended to tarnish Pusser's legacy but to provide closure for Pauline's family. "This case is not about tearing down a legend. It is about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family and ensuring that the truth is not buried with time," he said during a news conference.

The TBI plans to make the entire case file, which exceeds 1,000 pages, available to the public after redactions are completed. The file will be handed over to the University of Tennessee at Martin, which will create an online, searchable database for the case.