I tried googling Markel with all sorts of judicial improprities and came up with nothing. I don't recall it being mentioned in this thread. Doesn't mean he didn't but when did he have time to do the research and investigation?!
And if he did, where is that investigation?
I don't know how to link, but I think it was brought up on page 28 of this thread. And if you google his name and "judicial corruption" you'll come up with some rumors. That's all they are, at this point. I wasn't privy to his research at the time. It's just an interesting possibility that would explain a lot, imo.
Edited to add: And to respond to the second part of your question, IMOO, if one of the co-researchers/investigators was murdered by a probable hit man, that would have a chilling effect on the research..... again, just my opinion, as this case makes so little sense.