Ok, how can the dude who plays Partridge be allowed to reveal that he is actually dead before it's aired? I can't see him being allowed to do that?

Anyway, if Partridge is really dead, i think he was still a part of Red John's circle.

There were so many clues in this season opener that 90% must have been put there to send us off in the wrong direction. 
CBI Ron on his phone just as he bumps into Jane who then receives a call.
The fishing reference from Bertram + he said "i'm many things to many people" etc.
We will see Sheriff McAllister in the next episode, so all of the 7 suspects will be coming back to the surface. 

I genuinely think the list isn't Patrick's real list of suspects, but the list that Red John (over the years) has planted seeds for Patrick to believe they are. But Patrick has seen through this & played along. 
We will have to wait & see, but it's so exciting to be getting closer!