RachCon One

I feel silly now.

I just don’t think Markus would be into some loony cult like Planta Dos Deuses. He was too rational for that kind of thing. Check out their site at http://www.plantadosdeuses.org/ - it’s not really scientific, is it?

I’ve been looking over Markus’ photos to see if there are any clues - and because I can’t seem to get enough of the ol’ pleasure/pain of seeing his face. Grief eh? It’s a weird one.

They’re here if you fancy a look. There are a bunch of random pics from Peru (colourful locals / cute kids / scenery, etc), which I was hoping would include some massive clue. No such luck as far as I can see. Might still be worth a look, though. Think they’re just too familiar to me now.

I’ve got to go. The car’s here to take us to Markus’ funeral.

Deep breath…

There’s been lots of action here and over on my Facebook , so time for a bit of a summarise-y update…

Kirsty Fish noticed that the number in Markus’ notebook (1789023) is the code for a DNA binding protein in E.coli:

“It prevents digestion by certain restriction enzymes, and appears to be involved in protein folding. I am trying to find out whether this has been linked to any diseases in humans, as perhaps this was the disease Markus was looking to do a trial on… All speculation at the moment. But please look at the ncbi entry and see if you can find anything I’ve missed!”

Kirsty also found out that Jim Malham works in security with some big biotech clients, and that he uploaded photos taken in Peru on 21st and 27th Jan. AND she found the Planta Dos Deuses website at http://www.plantadosdeuses.org. Excellent stuff - cheers Kirsty : )

Thomas K then posted the sources for this info:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/jim/malham :
“Familiar with South American customs and culture. Clients include leading biotech firms.”

Also links to his photos website:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mylomalham
“Looks like he’s pretty committed to his photography.”

Matt’s summarised all the research into Jim Malham over on his Facebooktoo, followed by a *totally* Holmes-tastic bit of sleuthing from Sam Rocz: “Jim’s name on the picasweb site is Mylo Malham, which I searched for and found this; http://www.familymalham.co.uk the same Jim, perhaps?”

Things are moving! Please keep at it - I feel like we’re finally gaining momentum.

Big love and even bigger thanks to you all.

So I’ve been researching Jim Malham in the library while freaking out about seeing that girl nearly abducted. If you were Matt’s source - if you’re that girl - or if even if you just know her - please please get in touch. Please know that we didn’t set you up and I’m so sorry if we somehow put you in danger.

Alex Eckl emailed me a list of the facts so far (thanks Alex : )), posted here in case they help…

Died gunshot wound to the head in his hotel room in Peru - no criminal
record.

Leading genetiscist who is believed to possibly be a biopirate -
essentially someone who steals plants for research.

DEPAA and Prometha being investigated to do with biopiracy possible
link to case.

DEPAA is an organisation apparently against biopiracy etc. and 3
members were arrested in relation to the Prof’s death. They were later
released.

Prometha researches genetics and stuff and seems quite likely that
they could be involved in biopiracy.

Someone managed to hack into the Peru police site to gain access to
images from the case - police currently are publicly dismissing it as
a suicide - in a couple of photos you can see a pill bottle knocked
over on a bedside table some are on the floor - the Prof obviously
didn’t get time to clear them up or they were knocked over by someone
else who may have wanted to get away quickly - or knocked over by the
Prof when shot although this is unlikely as it was tipped over towards
the bed, although do not know how body was found (currently presuming
died lying on the bed). No blood in the photos - removed by police or
murderer or body was moved into the room.

Matt Blacker (a freelance journalist) was looking into the case as he
had received a call from the Prof saying that he had something to tell
him and to meet him at the airport possibly the next day (not sure but
definately soon after). Surely he wouldn’t kill himself if he wanted
tell someone something. Rachel - niece - doesn’t believe he would
either, he didn’t seem depressed at all.

Possible conclusions so far:

One of the prementioned companies or another killed him due to what he
was to reveal to MB - possibly someone being involved in biopracy or
the discovery that a plant did indeed help some disease.

Is a biopirate and was killed by DEPAA or an extremist
environmentalist person or organisation.

Was selling information or a plant to Prometha or another company -
somehow it messed up got violent.

Suicide - unlikely.

Things to check/do:

• The prementioned companies’ reputations.
• Whether DEPAA have been involved in extremism to “save the wildlife”
  etc. at all.
• Matt Blacker’s and Rachel Burren’s blogs and other accounts for updates.
• Whether a gun was found at the crimescene.
• Where in the room was the body found.
• Keep updated on case files etc.
• Look at the Prof’s background.
• Contact others for advice and keep Rachel updated.
• Whether the Prof was on a prescription or on any drugs at the time and
  what the pills at the scene were.
• Why the Prof was even out there.
• Information about the suspects who were held.
• Whether there an autopsy aid so, results.
• Casefiles access (www.policias-distrito-calca.or):
  Case number: CLC0108-1314
  User: cbarrera
  Password: rafael

Markus is back home but no let up in the accusations and theories flying around. And now the Peruvian police are saying he was involved with some cult called Planta dos Deuses. I can’t believe that’s true, but at the same time - how much did I know my uncle? What was he really about? I just don’t know anymore.

The DEPAA suspects have been released and I’m in a bit of a lonely place. So I need to keep busy and today I’ve been investigating like a good’un. First I phoned the police chief in Calca to ask him why he closed the case (I know: I was cacking myself), then I spoke to Alison from DEPAA to see if she could shed any light.

Cesar Barrera

Alison Streatwell

So what have I discovered? Well, apart from the fact that I’m an idiot for falling out with Matt Blacker, I dunno really. As far as I can understand the Calca police haven’t actually closed the case, but are saying they have because they don’t want to scare off tourists. And DEPAA were concerned about questions Markus was asking about ‘uncontacted tribes’.

Hmm…

I have nothing to do but work and grieve. A dark place, in more ways than one.

I’ve just seen that the DEPAA suspects have been released, and the police are closing the case as a suicide.