Joe Maldonado, also known as Joe Exotic on the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,”Has announced that he was diagnosed with an “aggressive cancer”He remains behind bars for a murder-for hire plot.
Maldonado, who was charged with hiring someone to kill Carole Baskin and other animal abuse charges, was convicted. In a recent letter to CNN announcing his diagnosis, Maldonado wrote, “It is with a sad face that I have to tell you the doctors called me in today to break the news that my prostate biopsy came back with an aggressive cancer. I am still waiting on the results from other tests as well.”
“Right now, I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me.” he also wrote.
Maldonado was sentenced to 22 years in January 2020 for his crime. His attorney told CNN that he had been undergoing a series of tests before the diagnosis.
“The PSA Test is a blood test which is used primarily for screening for prostate cancer. It was extremely high. He was finally able to have biopsies. They found cancer. A prison environment has fewer options and medical care is not as accessible.” Phillips said.
Maldonado has maintained his innocence, despite his conviction, and had previously requested a pardon from former President Trump.
“If there was anyone I looked up to, it would be you.” Maldonado wrote in the letter to the former president “Not because I need you to save my life but because you stand for what you believe no matter what anyone thinks.”