Tristan said:
Patsy's handwriting samples look very similar to the writing of the note, and no 9 year old (I have a very smart almost 10 year old nephew) would use the words "law enforcement counter measures and tactics", among others.
But unless you subscribe to HoldOnToYouHat's "diversionary tactic" theory regarding the purpose of the ransom note (ie that the note was written by a very SMART intruder to draw attention in the wrong direction, allowing escape interstate or overseas), you are stuck with the issue of the stupidity of the ransom note author.
Whichever way you cut it, if the note is not diversionary, the author is stupid, or, as BC says, juvenile.
I find it easier to believe that a smart 10 year old friend wrote "law enforcement countermeasures + tactics" than a 40 year old women, a smart 40 year old woman at that, decided to give away her identity in 3 pages of "signatures".
The note is juvenile; the author, whether Burke or an accomplice, is probably juvenile too.
Come on BC, come in and back me up
Did the author intend for the note to be read as a "real" ransom demand for a kidnapping? Different question, and YES, that would affect any assessment of the intelligence/maturity of the author.
That "diversionary tactic" theory is a damn good one, HoldOnToYourHat
I like it.