Gone South: S4|E8 – The Real Buford Pusser | Part 2

Host: Jed Lipinski
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Publisher: Audacy Podcasts

Overview

In the eighth episode of Season 4, "The Real Buford Pusser | Part 2," host Jed Lipinski delves deeper into the enigmatic life and legacy of Buford Pusser, a figure long celebrated as a Southern crime-fighting sheriff. This episode uncovers unsettling revelations that challenge the heroic image Pusser has held for decades, presenting a compelling narrative of potential corruption and deceit.

Unraveling the Legend

Mike Elam’s Investigation
The episode continues Mike Elam's relentless investigation into Buford Pusser's past, particularly focusing on the circumstances surrounding the death of Pusser’s wife, Pauline.

• Initial Doubts and the Facebook Revelation (00:36 - 03:32): Mike Elam recounts how, by 2015, persistent digging led him to question the established narrative of Pusser's heroic persona. He created a Facebook page titled "Buford the Other Story" to gather alternative accounts, which quickly attracted contributors with varying degrees of direct involvement.

  “People telling about what they heard that morning, what they saw that morning... it began to grow and grow.” — Buford Pusser [03:32]

Challenging the Established Narrative

Lavonne Plunkett’s Testimony (03:32 - 07:17)
Elam meets Lavonne Plunkett, who provides a startling account that contradicts Pusser’s version of events.

• Contradictions in Plans: Lavonne reveals that Pauline intended to leave Buford, a fact that Pusser's story does not acknowledge.

  “She was going to pick up her kids and leave.” — Lavonne Plunkett [05:06]

• Gunshot Incident: Lavonne describes hearing a gunshot and witnessing Pusser pulling Pauline into his car, raising suspicions about the authenticity of the ambush claim.

  “She heard a single gunshot.” — Buford Pusser [05:57]

Diane’s Account (07:17 - 09:07)
Diane, Pauline’s daughter, shares her terrifying memory of the night, further implicating Pusser.

• Witnessing Pusser’s Actions: Diane recounts seeing Pusser dragging Pauline to his Plymouth Fury, contradicting the idea that the ambush was solely against Buford.

  “Diane was convinced that Buford had killed Pauline.” — Buford Pusser [08:59]

Revisiting the Evidence

Blood Spatter and Ballistics (09:07 - 13:45)
Elam explores inconsistencies in the physical evidence, such as blood spatter patterns and ballistics reports, suggesting the possibility of foul play by Pusser himself.

• Self-Inflicted Wound Theory: Analysis of gunshot residue implies Buford might have inflicted the wound himself, contradicting the ambush narrative.

  “It just doesn't add up to me that she was killed in an ambush meant for him.” — Buford Pusser [13:45]

The Exhumation and Its Fallout

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Steps In (16:44 - 20:15)
In a significant turn, the TBI decides to exhume Pauline Pusser’s body after six decades, heightening tensions within the community and among Pusser’s supporters.

• Community Backlash: Steve Sweat, a staunch Pusser historian, expresses outrage at the decision, fearing it tarnishes Pusser’s legacy and harms the community.

  “They thought it was terrible and just got mad about it.” — Steve Sweat [20:30]

• Support for the Investigation: Contrarily, relatives of Pauline view the exhumation as a step towards closure and justice.

  “They were pretty happy to hear that they would finally get some closure after 56 years.” — Dean Baldwin [27:51]

Potential Outcomes and Reflections

Possible Revelations (28:22 - 28:56)
Dean Baldwin, a retired deputy sheriff, discusses the potential findings of the autopsy, which could either validate Pusser’s story or expose him as an accomplice or perpetrator in his wife’s death.

“If she had defensive wounds on her arms... then we know that he was part of it.” — Dean Baldwin [28:56]

Parallels with Public Figures (29:24)
The episode draws comparisons between Pusser’s tarnished legacy and that of Lance Armstrong, emphasizing how powerful narratives can overshadow uncomfortable truths.

“Who was your investigation into Pauline's death going to help?... It is to hurt those who believe the story.” — Mike Elam [22:21]

Current Status and Awaited Conclusions

As of the episode's conclusion, the TBI's autopsy results remain pending, leaving the community and listeners in suspense. Mike Elam speculates on potential findings, particularly focusing on Buford’s Plymouth Fury and its relevance to the case.

“The TBI had dug it up and were now analyzing the bullet holes to see if they matched Buford's story or told a different story entirely.” — Mike Elam [28:56]

Conclusion

"The Real Buford Pusser | Part 2" serves as a gripping continuation of Mike Elam's quest to uncover the truth behind a Southern legend. By juxtaposing firsthand testimonies with scrutinized evidence, the episode invites listeners to question the veracity of heroism and the complexities of human nature. As the investigation progresses, the podcast sets the stage for potentially groundbreaking revelations that could redefine Buford Pusser’s legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• “One thing you never do is take your spouse to a disturbance call.” — Buford Pusser [00:46]
• “They don't want to see that done. They thought it was terrible and just got mad about it.” — Steve Sweat [20:30]
• “If you have defensive wounds on her arms... then we know that he was part of it.” — Dean Baldwin [28:56]
• “Who was your investigation into Pauline's death going to help?... It is to hurt those who believe the story.” — Mike Elam [22:21]

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This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the episode’s narrative and investigative elements.