"Prosecutors worked with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which began reexamining decades-old files on Pauline's death in 2022 as part of its regular review of cold cases, agency director David Rausch said. Agents found inconsistencies between Buford Pusser's version of events and the physical evidence, received a tip about a potential murder weapon and exhumed Pauline's body for an autopsy."
"Authorities acknowledged that the finding will likely shock many who grew up as Buford Pusser fans and watched 1973's "Walking Tall," which immortalized him as a tough but fair sheriff with zero tolerance for crime. The movie was remade in 2004, and many officers joined law enforcement because of his story, according to Mark Davidson, the district attorney for Tennessee's 25th judicial district."
""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," Davidson said in a news conference streamed online. "The truth matters. Justice matters. Even 58 years later. Pauline deserves both.""
Investigators reexamined decades-old files beginning in 2022, received a tip about a potential murder weapon, and exhumed Pauline Mullins Pusser's body for an autopsy. Agents found inconsistencies between Buford Pusser's account and the physical evidence and uncovered signs that Pauline suffered domestic violence. Prosecutors concluded there is enough evidence that, if alive today, Buford Pusser would face an indictment for Pauline's killing. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation worked with local prosecutors on the cold-case review. Officials stressed the goal of restoring dignity and closure to Pauline and her family by establishing the truth.
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