The Untold Story of Tiger King

Jim Rathmann's investigation into Don Lewis's disappearance revealed several inconsistencies. Carol Baskin's handyman received Don's collectible firearms from her three days before Lewis was reported missing. This was documented in a police report from a later domestic violence incident involving the handyman. Furthermore, Carol allegedly forged Don's power of attorney, confirmed by a handwriting expert, and transferred three money-generating properties to the handyman for less than $10,000 each shortly after Lewis vanished. The official story of Lewis flying to Costa Rica was also debunked due to the limited range of his aircraft, which would have required multiple non-existent refueling stops.

Handyman's ex-wife's testimony (2:12), police report (3:37), handwriting expert analysis (7:47), property transfers (8:40), aircraft range analysis (6:20).

Rathmann argues Joe Exotic's conviction was flawed. The charges for killing five tigers were unfairly combined with murder-for-hire charges, prejudicing the jury. The tigers were old, had documented ailments, and were euthanized according to veterinary guidelines using a quick, small-caliber shot, which Rathmann contends is less cruel than darting. Crucially, the forensic investigation only examined the tigers' heads, preventing a full assessment of their ailments. For the murder-for-hire charge, Rathmann highlights the lack of 'intent' as required by federal law; Joe discussed the plot but never took tangible action like providing money, burner phones, or a weapon, despite being prompted by an undercover FBI agent.

Trial transcripts (13:58), veterinary guidelines (17:26), forensic pathologist testimony (18:51), audio recordings of Joe's conversation with FBI agent (24:32), lack of tangible actions by Joe (26:16).

Melanie Curtain was wrongfully convicted of aggravated rape and sentenced to life without parole. She was publicly associated with child crimes, but her charge stemmed from a 2014 video involving her, Denny Perkins, and another adult female. Her initial trial excluded critical exculpatory evidence, such as the victim's prior lifestyle involving swinging, text messages coercing Melanie to come over, and Melanie's emergency room visit the day after the incident with symptoms consistent with being drugged. The appellate court found 11 issues, including 7 abuses of judicial discretion, leading to the Louisiana Supreme Court unanimously upholding her appeal. In her retrial, with all evidence admitted, she was found 'not guilty' in just over an hour, exposing the initial prosecution as potentially malicious.

Court transcripts (43:10), victim's sworn affidavit (50:58), Melanie's ER records (47:01), text messages (48:45), First Circuit Court of Appeals ruling (52:30), Louisiana Supreme Court ruling (54:43), unanimous 'not guilty' verdict (1:04:39).