Report: Unclear where Zanesville animal owner got a gun to kill himself

ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio sheriff’s final report on the freeing of dozens of exotic, wild animals shows it’s still not clear where their owner got the gun he then used to kill himself.

The report released to the Zanesville Times Recorder indicates owner Terry Thompson was troubled over caring for his animals and about being confined to his property after a year in prison on a gun conviction. He also was upset that his wife was away.

The report includes Thompson’s previously reported statement to a caretaker the day before the animals were set loose that he “had a plan.”

Authorities say Thompson fatally shot himself after releasing the animals at his farm in eastern Ohio on Oct. 18.

Police were forced to kill 48 animals, including lions and Bengal tigers.