Ardeth's killer lurked for weeks

And the brazen killer may have returned to the area a day later, as friends and family of the woman searched for her, possibly to retrieve something he left behind.

The sightings of the prime suspect in the Aug. 6 death of Ms. Wood are just two of 24 such sightings between mid-June and the day after her death that investigators released to the public yesterday in the hope another flood of tips might crack the five-week-old case.

"Based on what we have learned, this person is predisposed to be a sexual predator," said major crime Staff Sgt. Randy Wisker. "This person was observed on numerous occasions along the bike path, approaching women and trying to lure them away from the bike paths."

"What we are providing is the best information on the disappearance of Ardeth Wood. The list of sightings provides a time frame we believe the suspect was in the area."

One of those sightings occurred at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 7, a full 24 hours after Ms. Wood left her parents' home, never to return.

A member of the public came forward with the information and police are convinced it was the killer.

"It could be something that he left behind, something that he wanted to recover, we can't be sure," said Staff Sgt. Wisker. "Maybe he went back to reassure himself of something.

"But we're confident in these sightings. We would not put this information out if we didn't have confidence in the authenticity."

Police also released a replica sketch of a tattoo they believe is on the upper left arm or shoulder of the suspect, who they maintain is a muscular, white male in his 20s or early 30s.

Investigators believe he is athletic, thin and in good physical condition with a neat appearance, healthy tan and sandy blond to light brown hair.

Based on the range of times of the sightings, which all occurred from mid-morning to early afternoon, and working in conjunction with a crime profiler, they also suspect their man may have recently been the victim of a layoff at work or a downsizing which limited his hours of employment.

"We believe the person may have deviated from his regular activities, his normal recreational routines, and may have been under more stress than normal," said Staff Sgt. Wisker. "The times may indicate he is unemployed or may have recently become unemployed and this could have been a triggering factor.

"Employers are encouraged to check their records and review their files for layoffs or terminations which may involve people who meet our descriptions."

Ms. Wood, went missing on Aug. 6 after going for a bike ride and her naked body was found five days later, next to Green's Creek, within hours of the discovery of her bike.

Police combed the area for more than two weeks and reportedly retrieved some 100 pieces of potential physical evidence, evidence which still may yield DNA, fingerprint or microscopic fibre clues.

They confirmed several articles of clothing were retrieved, but would not say whether any of Ms. Wood's clothing was found.

Investigators have also been awaiting the results of forensic testing to determine whether Ms. Wood was sexually assaulted, and police have no timetable when they will have the results.

Police say they have received more than 2,000 calls from the public about the case. Staff Sgt. Wisker said more than 300 people have been cleared by police from a list of 457 names of people who matched the general description of the suspect.

Police hope the tip lines will start lighting up again with the new information. They are even asking those who passed on tips to call back if the new information fits their original suspicions.

They are wary, however, of putting too much stock in the composite of the tattoo.

"This is not an exact replica, but something similar in nature," said Staff Sgt. Wisker. "We're not turning the investigation specifically towards a tattoo. Lots of people have tattoos.

"What we are asking if for people who may have information, to think about what we have released, and contact us if they believe their information is important.

"People cannot assume someone could not have done this. And don't assume someone else will make the call. Call and let us investigate and determine whether they did."