The point that Partridge isn't dead seems silly but when you think about it then it actually makes some sense. Go back to the first episode of this season and watch the last minute. You see Lisbon look up and then all of a sudden she is taken down from behind. The only person in that room is Partridge and sure enough she never checks him for a pulse. He could easily have been alive and surprised her. Not sure how he faked the rest of the police and everything but if he could then this theory makes the most sense. Also it will be intriguing because Patrick has all the suspects in the room except for Partridge so  he would be the most surprising person at this point..