I hope this situation gets NATIONAL attention Myrddin.
There's something a little off about this story. Cindy, if you know any cops or ex-cops you may want to bounce it off of them. It reminds me of the gas station insurance scams that were attempted after 9/11. It's more about the money than anything else. They'd not need to commit a violent crime to get what they want, especially at the prices we're talking about here. That'd be an awful big chance for them to take.
Sorry about the late response; I'm fighting off another headache.