An important figure involved in the high-profile JonBenet Ramsey murder investigation has died.
» RELATED: Steven Pitt, forensic consultant in JonBenet Ramsey case, shot to death
Steven Pitt, a forensic psychiatrist on the case, was fatally shot outside of his Arizona office on Thursday, according to police. The father of two was 59.
The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. However, witnesses told police they heard a loud argument and then gun shots.
Unfamiliar with Pitt? Here are five things you should know.
What was his profession?
He was a forensic psychiatrist, who conducted evaluations for the Phoenix Police Department's Baseline Killer task force, according to his website. He also was a clinical associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix.
» RELATED: Regarding JonBenet Ramsey, is that case closed?
What was his expertise?
His areas of professional expertise included mental state at the time of the offense, competency to stand trial, serial rape, sexual harassment and psychic harm, according to his site. He also focused on murder for hire, psychiatric autopsy, impaired professionals and domestic homicide.
When did he begin on the JonBenet Ramsey case?
He was asked to assist in the homicide of Ramsey, who was murdered in 1996.
"He's tough and tenacious, and he isn't just a book kind of guy. He was particularly valuable in giving us suggestions about the order and timing and nature of the questions we'd be asking the Ramseys. He always has had extremely strong feelings about the case, which, to put it mildly, he wasn't afraid to share," former Boulder County District Attorney Alex Hunter told the Phoenix New Times in 1999.
What other cases did he take on?
Pitt's work helped police arrest Mark Goudeau in 2006 after nine people were murdered, the Arizona Republic reported. He also consulted on the 1999 Columbine High School shooting
Did he have any other professions?
He co-authored several journal articles and book chapters and made several media appearances, including on CNN and Entertainment Tonight, his site read.
