New evidence to be revealed in Pauline Pusser murder case

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


JACKSON, Tenn. — New evidence in the 1967 murder of Pauline Pusser, wife of famed McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser, is soon to be revealed. This could shed light on a decades-old cold case.

For the first time, evidence in the 1967 murder of Pauline Mullins-Pusser is being made public.

General Mark Davidson of the 25th Judicial District, alongside the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and UT Martin, will speak to the public to announce court filings and discuss any findings.

This is set to take place Friday, August 29 at 11:00 a.m., and this could be the closure the Mullins family has been seeking for nearly six decades, since Pauline’s death.

It was reported that Pauline was killed in an ambush targeting her husband, Sheriff Buford Pusser, on a rural Tennessee road.

In 2023, a tip to the TBI led to the exhumation of her body in 2024. An autopsy was performed months later. In January 2025, the TBI confirmed they had completed their investigation into Pauline’s murder, and that her remains were returned to her grave.

According to the TBI, the investigation was turned over to DA Mark Davidson, but many months went by before there was word of releasing the findings. A petition started in June to urge the DA to release the TBI’s report on Pauline Pusser’s murder. The petition collected more than 400 signatures.

Many advocates insist that the public has a right to know the truth about Pauline Pusser’s death.

Social media posts plead that releasing the findings will reveal the truth, advocating for justice for Pauline and her family. Others stand tall with the sheriff, claiming he is innocent.

For years, controversy has surrounded his legacy. To many, he was celebrated as a hero who took down mobsters and cracked down on crime in McNairy County.

His life was inspired in the 1973 film walking tall and its 2004 remake. Although others accused him of being corrupt who profited from the crimes he fought.

There are also claims his marriage was marred by domestic violence, alcoholism and drug abuse. While some even believe he was the one who killed Pauline.

According to officials, Pauline’s brother, Griffon Mullins will be delivering a video statement during the news conference.

For more local crime coverage, click here.

Categories: Crime, Local News, News, Pusser Investigation, Video