The president of the United States Zoological Association believes exotic animal owner Terry Thompson did not take his own life....But was the victim of murder.

In a press conference posted on YouTube, Joe Schreibvogel said Thompson was murdered as part of a conspiracy to implement a ban on the private ownership of wild animals in the state. Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz reacted to Shreibvogel's speculation.

"Far-fetched, would be one phrase. It really would not make a...