Petition calls for release of information on Pauline Pusser murder

UPDATE: Evidence connects Bufford Pusser to wife’s murder, authorities say

JACKSON, Tenn. — A petition is calling for public transparency regarding an unsolved high-profile murder case.

📸: Courtesy of TBI

In 2023, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation posted on their social media a request asking for tips regarding the 1967 shooting death of Pauline Pusser, wife of former McNairy County Sheriff Bufford Pusser.

Just months later, in February 2024, Pauline’s remains were exhumed from the Adamsville Cemetery to undergo an autopsy, decades after her death.

In January 2025, the TBI confirmed they had completed their investigation into Pauline’s murder, and that her remains were returned to her grave. The TBI shared that the investigation was turned over to District Attorney General Mark Davidson.

According to the Office of the State Chief Medical Examiner, the results of the autopsy were sealed by a court order.

As of July 2025, no further details have been released.

Now, a change.org petition titled “Urge Tennessee’s 25th DA to Release TBI’s Report on Pauline Pusser’s Murder” has been organized in an effort to have the findings unsealed and released to the public. Click here to see more.

The petition has more than 90 signatures at the time of this report.

The life of Sheriff Bufford Pusser was the subject of the “Walking Tall” film series, with the first film releasing in 1973. An annual festival celebrating his legacy takes place each year in McNairy County.

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