The case file in the investigation into the death of Pauline Mullins Pusser – the wife of the late sheriff Buford Pusser of McNairy County – were made public Friday, Oct. 10, through the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Pauline Pusser died Aug. 12, 1967, while riding with her husband. According to officials, Buford Pusser told investigators that his wife wanted to go with him on a domestic dispute call and his car was ambushed by men who shot into the car, killing his wife and injuring him.
That account was the basis of a number of “Walking Tall” movies.
The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation held a news conference Aug. 29 at the UT Martin Somerville Center to announce the conclusion of the investigation. During the news conference, 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson indicated that, were Buford Pusser to be alive, Davidson would seek an indictment for charges connected to his wife’s death.
He also announced that, after pursuing the appropriate court order, UT Martin would receive the case file so it could be made available for public review.
UTM Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr. spoke at the media conference.
“We are honored to assume the stewardship of the historical case files regarding Pauline Mullins Pusser, a process we approach with care to ensure with transparency for the public,” he said.
“At UTM, we see this as more than a transfer of documents. It is a powerful teaching and research opportunity. … These files provide our students with an invaluable real-case study.”
The file is currently in process as part of the UT Martin digital archive initiative. This ensures the public will ultimately have high-quality, searchable online access to the records. Because this is a careful and ongoing process, online availability will take time to develop.
Those wanting to gain access to the case file should visit www.utm.edu/selmer to schedule an appointment to view the printed case file at the UTM McNairy County Center/Selmer at 1269 Tennessee Ave. in Selmer and to request a printed reproduction copy.
Through its six regional centers — including the UT Martin McNairy County Center/Selmer — the University of Tennessee at Martin offers a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and an online Master of Science degree in criminal justice.
The newly-acquired case file will enrich learning opportunities for students and foster interdisciplinary research across fields such as communication, history, political science, sociology, and more.
For more information about degree programs, internships or outreach opportunities, email outreach@utm.edu or visit www.utm.edu/distanceed.
For more information about the University of Tennessee at Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 1-800-829-UTM1 (-8861).
PHOTO: UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr. speaks at a joint media conference Aug. 29 with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the 25th Judicial District of Tennessee regarding the investigation case file in the death of Pauline Pusser. Shown in the background of the media conference are (l-r) TBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Parson, TBI Assistant Director Josh Melton, Special Counsel Amy Weirich, District Attorney General Mark Davidson of the 25th Judicial District of Tennessee and TBI Director David Rausch.
