[ChasingFletch]

"It was in the note and in the phone call."

How do you ascertain WHO sent the note and WHO made the call?

[areafiftyone]

Why do you think this is not true? The police would not be talking to this guy unless he wants something. Why wouldn't it be him? But that is just my opinion. You are entitled to yours. :-) But all the news reports say it was a ransom. GUNMAN: PAY OR I'LL KILL AGAIN He left a three page rambling note and said he will stop shooting when I get the money. That's good enough for me for now until they say otherwise.

[LibWhacker]

I think there is a problem with the ransom-demand theory, too. But he didn't "send" the note. It was left at or near the Ponderosa the night of that shooting.