It sure sounds puzzling.
However, this is what I don't understand:
If at least a couple of other brothers have apparently found out what happened and, as a result, have left the organization in disgust, how come they are perpetuating the mystery by also not saying what they heard?
This sounds fishy. You'd think of all people they would have no hesitation in dispelling rumors or confirming them..
pale.emperor, be very wary of what you hear, because stories have a way of growing legs over the years - and this story sure looks like one of them.