vendetta--or the perp wanted to give the appearance that it was, then something triggered the perp to action. Possibly the Access celebration---either the article in the paper, or the party. It would be logical then, that the amount was meant to be a message. ie: You got a $ll8,000 bonus and didn't deserve it. Since this is the after tax figure, then I'm inclined to think it was something found in the house. The actual amounts can slip out in a company (ie: $150,000)...but how many know the after tax amount?

Occurring on Christmas when families are normally happy, could be the perp's message that this was his/her present to John Ramsey.

The vendetta scenario would show a long simmering vendetta--and a more calcating perp.

On the other hand, someone that was into the extortion movies, would have already formulated thoughts in his head---he/she may have been looking for the perfect victim---and the plan hatched after the Access artcle was published....and the perp may have known of JR in some way. He could have been stalking the house for a few day, looking for opportunity.