There is absolutely no evidence to support this theory that Sheriff McAllister is RJ, just going on the fact that Xander Berkeley is not the sort of actor you bring in for 1 episode, in such a small role, and then never see again. That's how thin this theory is.

He doesn't fit the physical description, he wouldn't be able to gain access to the CBI, he doesn't look like the Visualize type, and he's probably too old. But again, why cast a good actor in such a small role, and why is he on Jane's list? 

My theory is that RJ is older than people suspect him to be. Haffner (if my maths is correct) is 46 years old, Bertram would appear to be about the same age, Partridge is dead, Kirkland looks in his late 30's, Smith looks too young, and Stiles is too old. 

Which leaves McAllister, who is based in Napa county (which O'Laughlin mentioned before), roughly mid 50's (right age for a serial killer, would have been about 40 when he started). 

In RJ's friends, the writing "he is mar" is seen on the wall. As the hooker was mexican, maybe she misspelled McAllister "Marcallister" ( i did say this was thin).

And finally, maybe he changed his appearance to fool everyone? Xander Berkeley cleans up pretty well for a man his age, maybe McAllister is the same. 

I have the gut-feeling it's him! Can't wait to watch the following 2 episodes when Red John ...ooops, sorry Sheriff Thomas McAllister will come back. 

He will also appear in the episode in which Grace and Rigsby are getting married. That will be interesting. Will he again try to get Grace in his car? ;o)))

I believe it's him. Did you recognize how he watches Jane in Episode 2 Season 1? And when Jane looks to him he looks away very fast! It's very creepy! He is RED JOHN

There are two possibilities regarding Red John. Either it is someone from early on in the show like Sheriff McAllister, or they changed Red John half way into the show. When a show starts it is on a year to year contract and can be cancelled or not renewed at anytime. There is no way that the producers could anticipate they would have 6 years to tell the story and wait until season 5 and introduce a character like Kirkland and have him be Red John. 
They could have started the show in season 1 with Red John being Brett Partridge and decided to change down the road. I would like to think that they had a grand scheme how this would unfold from the beginning and not be flying by the seat of their pants and changing midway through. Bruno Heller has said in interviews that Red John is someone we have seen in the background already, like a Where's Waldo. I believe he said that during Season 4. He also has said that he has had a general idea how the show would play out from the very beginning, so I would think that assuming Partridge is dead it would have to be Sheriff McAllister because everyone else was brought in much later.

My money is on Sheriff Thomas McAllister. I agree with the theory before.

Maybe McAllister and Kristina Fry are working together. I have the feeling "seeing red"-head Kristina again will come very soon. :o))) 

Anyone else find it odd that when Loreli is reading the list.....she says "SHERIFF Thomas McAllister"? Why put the extra emphasis in this? We will find out more about McAllister next episode, but it's odd. Also when VP and O'laughlin are dating he says they flew out to Napa County for a date. Lastly, He is mar.... If you look at SHERIFF THOMAS MCALLISTER.......the code is in the name. Longshot, but these little things are very intriguing.

I am sick and tired of the people who believe Partridge is too you. Guys, the actor Jack Plotnick is 44 YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That means he is NOT TOO YOUNG!!! Please do your homework before saying stupid things. TAKE YOUR TIME!!! ;o) 

If Partridge is really dead, I believe RED JOHN is Thomas McAllister. I have a creepy feeling about him especially when he tried to "convinve" van Pelt to go with him. Furthermore he likes women with red hair.