SOMERVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Sheriff Buford Pusser is a Tennessee legend, known for carrying a stick as he cracked down on crime. But to this day, his wife's death remains a mystery.

Now, local and state investigators say they have new information after exhuming the body of Pauline Mullins Pusser nearly six decades after she was buried.

Pusser was known for cracking down on bootlegging, prostitution and gambling as the McNairy County Sheriff. His law enforcement career inspired not one, but two Hollywood movies.

Pusser continues to have a large influence on the community, including the annual Buford Pusser Festival. His wife’s death also continues to stir debate.

“As far as I'm concerned, it happened the way the sheriff said it did because he was there and we weren't,” Buford Pusser historian Steve Sweat said.

On Friday morning, the head of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, along with McNairy County District Attorney Mark Davidson, plans to come forward with what they call "significant details" in the case of Pauline Mullins Pusser. Investigators said they have new evidence that has helped “bring closure” to Pauline’s family.

“It's like on my podcast, I always end it by saying the truth has no agenda,” said Mike Elam, who runs "Buford Pusser: The Other Story" podcast about the case.

For nearly 60 years, questions have surrounded Pauline's death after she was said to be shot and killed in an ambush meant for her husband while riding in his car. Pusser was also shot in the face.

It’s not exactly clear what investigators plan to unveil on Friday; however, TBI officials decided to exhume her body in 2024 after receiving a new lead. The results of that autopsy have been sealed up to this point.

"I believe it was staged to fit Buford's narrative. But when you look at the evidence, it's so convincing that he didn't tell the entire truth,” Elam said.

Some hope that information shared Friday will offer insight into a debate that's still very much alive near the Tennessee-Mississippi line.

"It's very frustrating these people coming from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arkansas trying to be the Bufford Pusser expert. They don't have a clue,” Sweat said.

The TBI’s announcement will be made at 11 a.m. Friday, in conjunction with the 21^st Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the University of Tennessee at Martin.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/new-information-to-be-shared-on-sheriff-buford-pussers-wifes-death-investigation/