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The Three Husbands Of Carole Baskin: Unraveling The Mystery Of Don Lewis, The Forged Will, And Her Life With Howard Baskin

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Few figures in modern true-crime and conservation circles are as polarizing as Carole Baskin. As of December 24, 2025, the founder of Big Cat Rescue remains a central figure in one of the most enduring mysteries of the last few decades: the disappearance of her second husband, millionaire Don Lewis. The renewed public and law enforcement interest, largely fueled by the global phenomenon of the Netflix series Tiger King, has brought fresh attention to the case, including bombshell confirmations about a forged will and conflicting reports about Lewis’s current whereabouts. This deep-dive article explores the complex timeline of Baskin's three marriages, the latest developments in the cold case, and the steadfast presence of her current husband, Howard Baskin.

The story of Carole Baskin is inextricably linked to the men in her life, each playing a crucial role in her journey from a troubled youth to a controversial animal rights activist. From her teenage marriage to her enduring partnership with Howard Baskin, the narrative is punctuated by wealth, big cats, and the shadow of a missing person that has captivated millions worldwide.

The Complete Biography and Timeline of Carole Baskin's Three Marriages

Carole Baskin, born Carole Stairs, has been married three times, with each relationship marking a distinct phase in her personal and professional life. Understanding the timeline of these marriages is essential to grasping the full context of the Don Lewis mystery and her subsequent rise to fame.

  • Full Name: Carole Stairs Jones Baskin (née Stairs, formerly Murdock, formerly Lewis)
  • Born: June 6, 1961 (Age 64 as of late 2025)
  • Occupation: CEO of Big Cat Rescue, Animal Rights Activist, Television Personality
  • Sanctuary Founded: Initially Wildlife on Easy Street (1992), later rebranded as Big Cat Rescue

Husband 1: Michael Murdock (1979–1990)

Carole’s first marriage was to Michael Murdock, whom she married at age 17. The marriage lasted for eleven years, ending in divorce in 1990. Little public detail is available about this relationship, as the focus of media attention has overwhelmingly centered on her subsequent marriages.

Husband 2: Don Lewis (1991–2002, Legally Deceased)

Donald "Don" Lewis was a wealthy businessman who had a relationship with Carole starting around 1981, while she was still married to Murdock. Lewis was significantly older and already married. He and Carole married in 1991, and together they founded Wildlife on Easy Street, which would become Big Cat Rescue.

  • Marriage Date: 1991
  • Disappearance Date: August 18, 1997
  • Legally Declared Dead: 2002

Lewis vanished without a trace in 1997, leaving behind a vast estate and a contentious history with Carole. He was legally declared dead five years later, allowing Carole to inherit his assets, which became the financial foundation for Big Cat Rescue.

Husband 3: Howard Baskin (2004–Present)

Howard Baskin is Carole’s current and third husband. He is a business consultant who met Carole in 2002, shortly after Don Lewis was declared legally dead.

  • Met: November 1, 2002
  • Marriage Date: November 1, 2004
  • Role at Big Cat Rescue: Vice President and Advisory Board Chairman

Howard has been a staunch public defender of Carole throughout the Tiger King controversy, actively participating in the management and advocacy work of Big Cat Rescue.

The Don Lewis Cold Case: Forgery, New Leads, and the "Alive" Claim

The disappearance of Don Lewis in 1997 is the central, unresolved element of Carole Baskin's public narrative. The case, which was dormant for years, was officially revived by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office following the massive popularity of Tiger King in 2020.

The Confirmed Forged Will

One of the most significant and recent developments in the ongoing investigation is the official confirmation regarding Lewis's will. A Florida sheriff has publicly stated that the will of Don Lewis, which left the bulk of his estate to Carole Baskin, was, in fact, forged.

The document, which was notarized, included a provision naming Baskin as the executor and sole beneficiary of Lewis's estate. This stunning development, confirmed by law enforcement, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, providing new potential avenues for investigators and legal teams. The Lewis family's attorney has been actively pursuing an independent probe into the disappearance and the will's authenticity.

The Enduring "Meat Grinder" Theory

The Netflix series popularized the sensational theory that Carole Baskin may have disposed of Lewis's body by feeding him to her tigers using a meat grinder. While Baskin vehemently denies this claim, and law enforcement has not produced evidence supporting it, the theory remains a persistent element of the public discourse surrounding the case. Investigators have reportedly looked into the plausibility of this method as part of their renewed efforts.

The Shocking Claim: Is Don Lewis Alive in Costa Rica?

Perhaps the most unexpected twist in the entire saga came when Carole Baskin herself claimed that Lewis is "alive and well in Costa Rica." Baskin stated that federal partners, specifically the Department of Homeland Security, had informed her that Lewis was located there, though he remains a missing person.

However, this claim has not been officially confirmed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office or other relevant law enforcement agencies. They maintain that the case remains an open missing-persons investigation, and they have not received any official communication confirming Lewis's location. This contradictory information keeps the mystery alive and fuels speculation among true-crime enthusiasts and the Lewis family.

Howard Baskin: The Steadfast Partner and Business Strategist

Carole Baskin’s life post-Don Lewis has been defined by her relationship with her third husband, Howard Baskin. Their partnership, which began shortly after Lewis was legally declared dead, is not just personal but deeply professional.

Howard Baskin, a former management consultant, brought a sharp business acumen to the Big Cat Rescue organization. He transitioned from a successful career to dedicating his life to the sanctuary's mission, serving as the Vice President and a key strategist. His involvement helped transform the organization from a small operation into a globally recognized animal rights advocacy group.

Public Defense and Advocacy

In the wake of the Tiger King documentary, which painted a highly unflattering portrait of Carole, Howard Baskin became her most vocal and visible defender. He has appeared in numerous interviews, written extensive rebuttals, and actively managed the sanctuary's public relations. His presence provides a stark contrast to the shadowy circumstances surrounding Don Lewis, presenting a stable, professional front for Carole and Big Cat Rescue.

Howard's commitment to the cause is clear. He married into the "big cat world" and has since become a passionate advocate for the federal Big Cat Public Safety Act, which aims to end the private ownership of big cats like tigers and lions. This focus on legislation and advocacy is a core part of the sanctuary's modern mission.

The Unwavering Partnership

The relationship between Carole and Howard is characterized by mutual support, especially under intense public scrutiny. While the mystery of Don Lewis continues to generate headlines and legal actions, Howard Baskin remains an unwavering pillar, ensuring the survival and growth of Big Cat Rescue. Their partnership is a testament to the fact that even in the most controversial of public lives, a stable personal foundation can endure.

The ongoing legal and investigative developments—particularly the confirmed will forgery—ensure that the story of Carole Baskin, her husbands, and the missing millionaire Don Lewis will continue to evolve. The world is watching to see if the cold case will finally be solved, or if the truth about what happened in 1997 will remain a permanent, unsettling question mark.

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