LAST EDITED ON Jan-31-04 AT 05:19 PM (EST)
 
>then the murder was unintended, and you have to look at what
>set off the murderous rage.

There really isn't anything in the way of defensive wounds on the body. No sign of a violent struggle. It looks like she was under control the whole time. I don't doubt the offender's adrenaline was running high, but it appears to be more excitement than fear. Whatever rage he may have been feeling seems controlled. He didn't lose it and beat her repeatedly. It's possible, but it seems unlikely the offender would be arguing and trying to reason with his victim on the end of a leash in the basement. If he were jerking her around by a leash, it seems there would be more marks on her body than there were.

I have a hard time accepting the note left behind as a legitimate ransom note. I think it reflects the state of mind of the offender as being someone who is taunting, planning to murder, looking for a victory, and considers the whole thing as exciting and daring.