With $100,000 reward, family of Don Lewis pushes for answers in 'Tiger King' cold case

Reward increased for information on Don Lewis’ disappearance

Lloyd Sowers reports

TAMPA, Fla. - In early 2020, millions of people tuned in to watch Netflix’s hit show Tiger King as the feud between Carole Baskin and Joe Exotic played out. Now, billboards have popped up around town with the question, "Who killed Don Lewis?"

It’s because of that docuseries that investigators are now once again looking into the mysterious disappearance of Don Lewis, Baskin’s former husband, who has now been missing for over 20 years.

On Monday, his family said they will continue to ask the public for help, and have offered a $100,000 reward, as they hope someone is able to answer the question for them.

"We worked for weeks in raising this money," said Donna Pettis, Lewis' oldest daughter. "An anonymous donor came forward guaranteeing the $100,000. We're hoping that with these funds someone will have the courage to come forward and provide the information to solve this case."

Billboards have popped up around town with one question: Who killed Don Lewis? (FOX 13 News)

Jack Smith, the family spokesperson, said Monday the family believes there are people with information, but are worried about coming forward.

"We really need someone to come forward," he said. "There is a lot of people who have information who are afraid to come forward…they are worried that if they come forward they will be charged for a crime."

The Tiger King docuseries focused mainly on Lewis’s wife, Big Cat Rescue CEO Carole Baskin, and her ongoing feud with Joe Exotic, the man behind bars for allegedly trying to kill Baskin through a murder-for-hire plot. However, the docuseries sparked renewed interest in the over 20-year-old cold case after a whole episode was dedicated to Lewis’s mysterious disappearance.

Lewis disappeared a day before a planned trip to Costa Rica back in 1997. His van was found at a Pasco County airport, but Lewis was never seen or heard from again. He was legally declared dead in 2002, but since Tiger King’s debut, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has re-opened the investigation into his disappearance. The sheriff said that while he doesn’t have any suspects, he too believes Lewis could have been murdered.

From 1997: Investigation underway after Don Lewis disappears

This Warren Elly report originally aired on WTVT in August of 1997, one week after Wildlife on Easy Street sanctuary founder Don Lewis vanished. He was never seen again.

Gale Rathbone, Lewis' youngest daughter, described her father as "quirky and unique."

"We're just so grateful of the outpouring of support we have received from everyone. Amazingly, our little family tragedy has become your tragedy. Our search for truth has become your mission too," she said Monday. "We all know by now that he was not perfect. We ask that anyone with vital information come forward so progress can be made on his case."

John Phillips, the lawyer representing the Lewis family, said they have launched their own internal investigation, and explored possible burial sites.

"Resolving this case is in everyone's best interest," he said. "I believe it's in Carole Baskin's best interest. I invite her to the table. I invite her to talk, and let us know what really happened."

He explained how his wife's mother passed away Thursday, with her daughter at her side.

"She died with family around. Whoever did this stole that from this family," Phillips said describing the Lewis family. "I will ask one time, for civility. I will ask one time that we come together to find closure of this whole thing. If that can't be done, I'm a lawyer. I sue people. We'll go that route."

Sheriff says cold case still needs ‘credible’ lead

A Netflix documentary has had social media buzzing, allowing viewers to dive into the story of big cat owners. But it's also raising awareness about a missing person cold case in Hillsborough County.

During the Tiger King episode focused on Lewis’s disappearance, there were many theories about what happened to Lewis. His own family even admitted that they believe Baskin may have had something to do with his disappearance.

In 2011, the sheriff says Baskin was offered a lie detector test, but she refused to participate. However, she has never been charged in relation to the case.