Dear Neal, After further research... see url: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003k9d6 at the 35th minute.Some of Englands great and good intellectuals say that the question of whether Marlowe's death was an assassination by the state or over a private matter; is an open question. There are a number of theories...which one is the right one is open to date. Personally, I wasn't there so I haven't a clue...:-)
I hope this helps... ATB Dougie.