Full Rigor: Florida True Crimes

Is Carole Baskin's missing husband alive?

·25 min·2 clips
Carole Baskin's missing husband may be alive in Costa Rica, contradicting his presumed death.
The episode begins by questioning whether Don Lewis, missing since 1997, is alive in Costa Rica, as suggested by Carole Baskin. It recounts his disappearance from Tampa, Florida, after leaving home on August 18, 1997, with his van found at a private airport. The case went quiet until the Tiger King documentary revived interest. The host details Carole Baskin's background, including her early life, marriage to Don Lewis at age 21, and their shared interest in exotic animals. Don Lewis was a multimillionaire with assets in Costa Rica, where he had a girlfriend. Tensions arose over animal treatment and infidelity. Two months before his disappearance, Don filed a restraining order against Carole, claiming she threatened to kill him, but it was denied. After he vanished, Carole reported him missing and later accessed his office, allegedly changing wills and a power of attorney. Theories include that he was fed to tigers at their sanctuary, buried under a septic tank, or fled to Costa Rica. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has reopened the case, receiving tips since Tiger King aired, but no credible evidence has emerged. Carole Baskin has refused a polygraph and maintains her innocence. The episode also touches on her later life, including remarriage and appearance on Dancing with the Stars. It concludes by noting the ongoing investigation and lack of resolution.

As heard by us

A lively recap of a missing-person case that still refuses to settle.

This episode returns to the Don Lewis disappearance through the Tiger King shadow, treating it as a Florida mystery that only gets stranger as the money, the van, and the airplane theories pile up.

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Why you'd press play

If Tiger King still has you side-eyeing Don Lewis's disappearance, this one keeps that case moving.

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