I have a theory about how he might know the Ramseys....they are all from Ga and I am sure the Ramsey's came home to visit relatives....there may have been an article in the paper or he noticed them out and about....if he did it!
The NOTE mentions her southern background.
Theory: He originally knew the Ramsey's from the south. He got to Colorado as a "babysitter/tutor" for a rich business associate of the Ramsey's who took him to Colorado. With all expenses paid, he doesn't show up on credit cards, telephone calls etc..
see my post in #81 - this one possibility of how he may have learned about her before she murdered.