Inspiration For “Walking Tall” May Have Killed Wife

Tennessee (AP)– Tennessee authorities say a cold-case investigation reveals that a sheriff who inspired a Hollywood movie about an organized crime-busting law enforcement officer actually killed his wife in 1967 and led people to believe she was murdered by his enemies. Prosecutors said Friday that there is enough evidence that if former McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser were alive today, they would present an indictment to a grand jury for the murder of his wife, Pauline Mullins Pusser. Investigators also said they uncovered signs that Pauline suffered from domestic violence. Authorities acknowledged that the news may shock many who grew up as Buford’s fans and watched the 1973 “Walking Tall” movie he inspired.