• Buford Pusser, legendary sheriff and 'Walking Tall' inspiration, implicated in wife's murder.
• New evidence suggests Pauline Mullins Pusser's death may have been a homicide.
• Authorities believe key findings indicate domestic violence issues.
• Prosecutors assert enough evidence exists for indictment if he were alive.

A recent investigation has revealed that Buford Pusser, a famed Tennessee sheriff who inspired the 1973 film "Walking Tall," may have killed his wife, Pauline Mullins Pusser, in 1967, contrary to the long-held belief that she was murdered by his enemies. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has identified significant inconsistencies in Buford's statements and found evidence suggesting that Pauline was shot outside their vehicle before being placed inside it, according to ABC News and LA Times.

District Attorney Mark Davidson announced that modern forensic techniques allowed investigators to uncover evidence contradicting Pusser's claims, leading to the conclusion that there is sufficient evidence for potential criminal prosecution if he were alive today. The TBI started reexamining the cold case files in 2022, revealing signs of domestic violence against Pauline and inconsistencies in the narrative provided by Buford, according to CBS News and HuffPost.

The investigation has brought to light that Pauline suffered injuries indicative of domestic violence, as her autopsy revealed a healed nasal fracture prior to her death. This development has galvanized her family, as her brother Griffon Mullins thanked investigators for providing closure after almost six decades. He acknowledged signs of trouble in his sister's marriage but shared his surprise at the detailed findings, which differ significantly from the legend surrounding Buford Pusser, noted ABC News and LA Times.

Dr. Michael Revelle, who examined postmortem evidence, indicated that the cranial injuries of Pauline do not align with the interior conditions of the vehicle where she was purportedly shot, further discrediting Buford's narrative. Investigators also noted that Buford's own injury to his cheek was likely self-inflicted, calling into question the entire sequence of events as reported by him, according to CBS News and HuffPost.

The TBI has committed to making their extensive investigation file available to the public, indicating their intent to ensure transparency and maintain public trust. This initiative is part of their broader mandate to review cold cases periodically, which led to the significant developments in Pauline's case, as reported by ABC News and LA Times.