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Farm Owner Estranged Sister Speaks Out
By: Associated Press
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The estranged sister of the Muskingum County exotic animal owner who freed the beasts, then killed himself, says her brother was likely overwhelmed financially when he committed suicide.
Polly Thompson also says her brother threw himself into any activity he undertook and it was no different when he began collecting wild animals about 15 years ago.
Thompson says her brother got by financially on proceeds from a motorcycle business he sold, sales of horse trailers and other equipment and a small family inheritance.
Thompson had to testify against her brother about five years ago when he was charged with starving bison and cattle kept at their parents' farm near Zanesville.
Thompson says her brother never asked her for help after he was released from prison in September.