A lot of interesting theories out there. I'll give my take on the list of seven and then tell you who I believe to be Red John. Enjoy!
1. Bret Stiles- Probably too old to be Red John, but I feel he will be involved somehow; if not because of the Visualize link already established, maybe because he has a family relationship to Red John or a tie in to Jane's circus past. Stiles could be Red John because of his power, wealth and mind-controlling abilities. He would definitely have the resources and network to do the things Red John can do. Additionally, the message that Lorelei read did have a striking resemblance to the way he speaks. All that said, I believe him when he says he knows more than Jane or Jane's friend John could ever possibly know (The Blood on His Hands). Stiles truly believes in his cult and its message, and I don't think that message is about murder, although I could be mistaken.
2. Gale Bertram. Bertram is a very intriguing possibility to me. Before he first meets Jane, he syas he is anxious to meet the "Boy Wonder." Hardly anyone refers to Patrick as the "Boy Wonder" except for people that know of his circus past. That could simply mean that Bertram read Jane's personnel file thoroughly or he is related to Jane's former life. Furthermore, he very casually drops a William Blake poem in a season 3 episode (I believe Red Queen). Only Red John associates, Jane, Cho and JJ Laroche ever mention Blake (Cho and Laroche only in reference that they know of the poet's work). Now that could be a red herring or it could be a unifying theme for Red John/his followers. Also Bertram's position as CBI director, along with his influential friends could give him the access to the vast network of resources needed to pull off Red John's crimes with almost no traceability. However, I am going to pass on Bertram as Red John and instead place him as either Red John's right hand or high ranking associate.
3. Ray Hafner. Although he only appears in 2 episodes, Hafner is a strong possibility for Red John. In the 2nd episode of season 4, he comes across as a bit over-matched by Jane, but it is mentioned that he has excellent surveillance skills. If he is Red John, Hafner's surveillance skills could be how he seemingly stays one step ahead of Jane at all times. Stronger evidence pointing to Hafner would be his ties to the Visualize farm. That is where Red John supposedly gets his start and Hafner fits the profile of someone who could have been on that farm as an early member of Visualize. His time at Visualize most likely gave him the necessary mind-controlling skills that RJ would have to possess to carry out his attacks and control such a vast network of minions. All strong evidence for Hafner, but I believe he is a clever red herring because I don't see a tie in between him and Jane's past.
4. Reede Smith- I am not surprised at all to see Smith on the list. For only appearing in one episode, he comes in at a crucial time. His most important scene to me is when Jane mentions that Red John's followers all carry a red glass bead on them. Smith doesn't casually or nervously laugh, he more laughs out of amusement and the absurdity of Jane's notion. What does he know that we do not? While I would find the back story on how Smith became RJ intriguing, I don't feel there is one. Instead, I'll classify him as Red John's friend in the FBI.
5. Bob Kirkland. This guy practically screams Red John. He first appears in Red Dawn in the back of a limo showing his approval to Alexa Schultz for informing Minelli of Jane's past psychiatric issues. Why would he care? Kirkland's overall creepy vibe, his constant wearing of red ties and his keen interest in the RJ case are strong indicators that he is Red John. Most importantly, though, is the line he says to Lisbon about his past. Bob states that he was always on the move because of his parents. To me that suggests he was in the circus, just as Jane. Could Kirkland possibly be the son of Sean Barlow? Is that why Barlow tells Jane that RJ has "special powers" which keep him a step ahead. Maybe, but I'll say no, Kirkland is not Red John and he is meant to throw people off the scent. Or he is and he is there to make us question why the writers would make Red John appear so obvious to us. The twist in the context of no twist, so to speak.
6. Sheriff Tom McAllister. Here is a real chin-stroker. If RJ appeared before season 3 as some of the writers appear to have stated, then he would be a brilliant candidate. He has the law enforcement background that it appears RJ has. Let us hearken back to the season one finale and RJ's friend Dumar. Dumar states that RJ was friends with his father. Was Dumar's father also a sheriff? If so, did they have a special law enforcement bond? Let me also point to the season 4 finale. After the ending shootout, a police car goes whizzing by Jane and Lisbon. If you slow it down frame by frame, you can see an officer in the car that looks very similar to McAllister in his lone season one appearance. My theory is that he was keeping tabs on the situation from his squad car and then high-tailed it out of there in the chaos of the shootout. While he doesn't appear to have any background with Jane and Jane's family, his last name is Irish. My guess is that we will find out that McAllister is related to the Barlows, has a long-time grudge against the Jane's and was a past member of the circus somehow. Don't let his seemingly simple-mindedness fool you, I am sure that the sheriff has the mental acumen, resources and network needed to be Red John, something that season 6 will reveal to us all. Red John is Sheriff Tom.
7. Brett Partridge. Partridge is a definite possibility as Red John. He shows up very early in the Pilot and has an intimate knowledge of how Red John kills his victims. There would be some interesting symmetry if the writers introduced us to Red John at almost the same time we are introduced to Jane. Partridge does irritate Jane and Jane mentions (in the pilot episode or the season 2 finale, I forget which) that there is something off about him and the enthusiasm for his job. What a perfect job to have to clean up your crime scenes and tie up any loose ends. While Brett doesn't outwardly display any of the mental traits required to be Red John, I'm sure they could be revealed in Season 6 if necessary. The same could be done to tie him to Jane's circus past, although I feel that would be a stretch and as such, I don't believe he is the best RJ suspect on the list.
The best suspect on the list and my pick as Red John: Sheriff Tom McAllister.
