For over half a century, the official narrative of a notorious crime remained largely uncontested. Now, advancements in forensic science are challenging that long-held version of events.

Back in 1967, Sheriff Buford Pusser and his wife, Pauline, were brutally attacked on a secluded road in Tennessee—a violent incident that would later inspire the “Walking Tall” movie series.

In the second part of this exploration, Sheryl McCollum continues her in-depth discussion with Mike Elam, Jason White, Dennis Hathcock, and Danny Cupples. Together, they delve into the physical evidence and address the discrepancies that have left this case shrouded in mystery for decades.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Pusser case, tune in to Sheryl’s earlier “Zone 7” episodes.

About the Guests:

Mike Elam is a former Benton County Sheriff’s Deputy and author. His book, “Buford Pusser: The Other Story,” traces his own cold case investigation into the 1967 ambush that killed Pauline Pusser.

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.

Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate, engage, and inspire.

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.

Social Links:

[Feature Photo: Investigators look at the Pussers’ vehicle after the supposed ‘ambush.’ Inset: Pauline Mullins Pusser/Tennessee Bureau of Investigation]