As somebody who has followed this board with interest I now feel obliged to contribute.
I have close friends who were also close to Martin, and as such, I have known these events as they have unfolded, from when Martin decided to leave for the Philippines up to the present time.
In order of occurrence:
Martin moved to start his fantastic new life in the Philippines
Martin established his house and business, at this point he was still optimistic and enjoying life
Next thing we heard was Martin was experiencing marital difficulties and going through separation
Friends visited Martin, again optimistic about seeing Martin and experiencing the beauty of the Phillipines, however they returned shell shocked and very concerned about Martin's safety having been fired at by a gunman whilst sitting in a bar with Martin.
Friends in England discussed concerns over Martin's welfare and expressed that he should return to England, but Martin had invested everything and needed to sort out his financial affairs so that he could return home.
Martin was prevented from returning home by the sudden unprecedented allegations of rape made against him, it was the impression of his friends at this time that these allegations were made with the specific intent of preventing Martin returning home.
At this point, Martin's friends in England were aware, as was Martin, that this was a very serious situation and Martin was in imminent danger.
Then literally within weeks came the horrific, shocking news of Martin's murder.
I have catalogued these events as they have unfolded, I have known them as they have unfolded, and cannot describe the shock and anger I felt as I heard the news of how he had died. My first reaction was "he should have come home".
This needs investigating thoroughly, especially considering Martin KNEW his life was in danger and BELIEVED that the danger was from those that would benefit financially from his death.
What I find absolutely unacceptable, disgusting and dispicable is that even though he has died in such a horrific way (to imagine his terror in his last moments is unbearable) that people here feel it acceptable to attempt to discredit his memory and portray him as a wife beater and a rapist. I find this disgusting and very disrespectful, inconsiderate and unnacceptabley hurtful to Martin's family. I think anyone, no matter how they may have personal conflicts, deserves respect after their death. On the other hand I believe that anyone who can stoop so low to disrespect a murder victim and his family in such an atrocious way must have ulterior motives for doing so.
Rest in Peace Martin, people who knew you (and even some who didn't) know the truth.
I have close friends who were also close to Martin, and as such, I have known these events as they have unfolded, from when Martin decided to leave for the Philippines up to the present time.
In order of occurrence:
Martin moved to start his fantastic new life in the Philippines
Martin established his house and business, at this point he was still optimistic and enjoying life
Next thing we heard was Martin was experiencing marital difficulties and going through separation
Friends visited Martin, again optimistic about seeing Martin and experiencing the beauty of the Phillipines, however they returned shell shocked and very concerned about Martin's safety having been fired at by a gunman whilst sitting in a bar with Martin.
Friends in England discussed concerns over Martin's welfare and expressed that he should return to England, but Martin had invested everything and needed to sort out his financial affairs so that he could return home.
Martin was prevented from returning home by the sudden unprecedented allegations of rape made against him, it was the impression of his friends at this time that these allegations were made with the specific intent of preventing Martin returning home.
At this point, Martin's friends in England were aware, as was Martin, that this was a very serious situation and Martin was in imminent danger.
Then literally within weeks came the horrific, shocking news of Martin's murder.
I have catalogued these events as they have unfolded, I have known them as they have unfolded, and cannot describe the shock and anger I felt as I heard the news of how he had died. My first reaction was "he should have come home".
This needs investigating thoroughly, especially considering Martin KNEW his life was in danger and BELIEVED that the danger was from those that would benefit financially from his death.
What I find absolutely unacceptable, disgusting and dispicable is that even though he has died in such a horrific way (to imagine his terror in his last moments is unbearable) that people here feel it acceptable to attempt to discredit his memory and portray him as a wife beater and a rapist. I find this disgusting and very disrespectful, inconsiderate and unnacceptabley hurtful to Martin's family. I think anyone, no matter how they may have personal conflicts, deserves respect after their death. On the other hand I believe that anyone who can stoop so low to disrespect a murder victim and his family in such an atrocious way must have ulterior motives for doing so.
Rest in Peace Martin, people who knew you (and even some who didn't) know the truth.