For over half a century, the accepted narrative surrounding a notorious crime has remained largely unchallenged. Today, advancements in forensic science are casting new light on the story.
In 1967, Sheriff Buford Pusser and his wife, Pauline, were attacked on a secluded road in Tennessee—a harrowing event that inspired the “Walking Tall” movie series.
In the second installment of this exploration, Sheryl McCollum continues her in-depth discussion with experts Mike Elam, Jason White, Dennis Hathcock, and Danny Cupples. Together, they re-examine the physical evidence and tackle the lingering inconsistencies that have puzzled investigators for years.
To delve deeper into the Pusser case, check out Sheryl’s earlier episodes of “Zone 7.”
Featured Experts:
Mike Elam is a former deputy with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and an accomplished author. His book, “Buford Pusser: The Other Story,” recounts his own investigative journey into the 1967 ambush that resulted in Pauline Pusser’s death.
Jason White is a veteran homicide detective with the Tulsa Police Department, a featured investigator on A&E’s “The First 48,” and the podcast host of KGRA’s “Into the Fire.”
Danny Cupples is Tennessee’s first Chief Death Investigator and a certified forensic death investigator who has trained elite forensic teams in New York. Danny teaches infant death investigations at MTSU and continues to serve on a cold case unit.
Dennis Hathcock was a teenager when he saw Sheriff Buford Pusser on the night of the ambush and later discovered critical evidence along New Hope Road.
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About the Host
Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award-winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnline, forensic and crime scene expert for “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace,” and co-author of the textbook, “Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.” She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.
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[Feature Photo: Investigators look at the Pussers’ vehicle after the supposed ‘ambush.’ Inset: Pauline Mullins Pusser/Tennessee Bureau of Investigation]
