Here is what Bruno Heller has said about the "death" of Brett Partridge..and as we continue to go through episodes with no mention of him, I find these comments even more interesting (and suspicious):

"It wasn't my decision. It was Red John's decision. And it's part of a much larger, dastardly plan that will reveal itself over the next few episodes."

We still have not been shown what RJ's "plan" was. Why? Because the plan was Partridge, aka RJ, faking his death and coming back for the big reveal. THAT'S why Partridge has not been mentioned since his "death". And that's why his death was not investigated like Kirkland's has been.

"Why DID he kill Partridge? What possible reason could he have for that? A very good reason will be revealed down the line."

For you, as a writer, was it ever going to be someone else first?

"No. Because like I say, as convoluted and as elaborate as the plotting might appear, you have to know exactly what you’re doing way before you do it. So things might seem mysterious or too complicated to work out what the heck is going on, but as these episodes unfold, the story will unfold itself in a clean and clear fashion. It was very important that Partridge die at this point in the story."

They have yet to reveal the importance of Partridge's death to us..yet we are coming to the end. There are just three RJ episodes left, and still no mention of Partridge and why his death was so important..because why? I think the answer is quite clear. Also..in the next episode, Jane is gathering all of the remaining suspects together (a little too early.) Something has to happen right? Because there are still 2 more RJ episodes after this one! So perhaps RJ isn't one of the guys in the room after all? Jane discovers that it's someone else.

Partridge?:)