This revelation is likely to surprise many who admired Buford Pusser and watched the 1973 movie Walking Tall, which portrayed him as a tough yet just sheriff intolerant of crime, officials stated.

There is substantial evidence suggesting that if former McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser were alive today, prosecutors would seek an indictment from the grand jury for the murder of Pauline Mullins Pusser, according to Mark Davidson, district attorney for Tennessee’s 25th judicial district.

“She was someone you’d instantly connect with due to her friendly nature. My family often turned to Pauline for support or advice, and she was always there to help,” he mentioned.

She was just a sweet person. I loved her with all my heart.”

Mullins said he knew there was some trouble in Pauline’s marriage, but she wasn’t one to talk about her problems.

For that reason, Mullins said he was “not totally shocked.”

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation plans to release the comprehensive file, which contains over 1,000 pages, to the public by transferring it to the University of Tennessee at Martin after completing necessary redactions.

The school will create an online, searchable database for the case.

Until then, members of the public can make appointments to review it in person or can purchase a copy, said university Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr.