I think probably Patsy's death is a coincidence in that I doubt she left any letter or anything naming him. It may, however, have something to do with why he decided to confess now.
the guy has been e-mailing Patsey for months before she died. She turned in the e-mails to the cops and was acting responsibly. Her death is just a horrible coincidence. Fact is this guy probably knew Patsey was dying and had a guilt conscience and started sending stuff to Patsey to try and releave it somehow. He certainly has done more than that now as he has confessed.
something to do with why he decided to confess now
Agree with that. Sounds like he may have had some fixation with her and now that she is gone, he had to change tactics....speculation.