I was introduced to Marshall in about 1989 by a mutual friend. A fellow Dudley descendant, he shared his research with me. I wish he'd survived into the age of DNA tests; I expect he'd have been a tireless advocate of exhuming John, 3rd Baron Dudley from St. Margaret's, Westminster, to confirm his (painstakingly supported but still speculative) theory that Roger Dudley (Governor Thomas's father) was the Baron's grandson. It's speculation of a different kind but of almost equally certainty of proof that Marshall was murdered. A conspiracy of right wing religious zealots, striking a blow, as they surely saw it, against "organized sodomy", sent a volunteer to seduce and kill our friend. 'After the Ball' was incredibly important to the success of the gay rights movement and his high-profile involvement in the project painted a big, pink target on his back. He wouldn't be the first gay man killed by a trick or the first one assasinated for his beliefs, his activism or for merely being. He may be one of the only ones done in by a combination of the two.