TBI completes investigation into Pusser murder

MCNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has completed its investigation into the shooting death of Pauline Pusser, wife of famed McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser.

“The TBI’s investigation is complete and has been turned over to District Attorney General Mark Davidson,” said Kim Wheeler-Elder, TBI Public Information Officer.

It has been almost six decades since the shooting of Pusser and the case remains unsolved. She joined her husband on the evening of August 2, 1967, when he responded to a disturbance call. The couple came under fire while driving and Pauline was fatally shot. Sheriff Pusser sustained injuries during the shooting, but survived.

Investigators said they received a tip that led them to exhume Pusser’s body for an autopsy. The TBI tipster told investigators there had never been an autopsy performed.

The TBI said the case has remained an active investigation since it was turned over to the agency following the shooting. In 2023, the TBI posted on their social media a request asking for tips regarding the case. The post generated the lead that led to the exhumation on February 8, 2024. Investigators received support from Pusser’s family for the exhumation.

An autopsy was conducted and her body was returned to her grave. According to the Office of the State Chief Medical Examiner, the results of the autopsy have been sealed by a court order.

Davidson confirmed his office has received the file from the TBI and said he “has not reviewed it yet.” He said he expects the file to be thick and estimates it will be a couple months before he is able to review it and make any decisions based on the findings.

There are speculations about who is responsible for Pusser’s death, but no one has been arrested or charged.

SEE ALSO: Pauline Pusser investigation still on-going

Pauline Pusser’s remains to undergo autopsy 57 years later

Pauline Pusser’s remains returned to grave

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