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The theme of death has significantly influenced the TV show “Criminal Minds.” However, some character deaths have a more profound impact than others. Since its debut in 2005, “Criminal Minds” has centered around the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI, with a core group consisting of Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner (played by Thomas Gibson), David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) and Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler). These characters were largely consistent throughout the original series. When the show was rebooted in 2022 as “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) and Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler) continued their roles from the previous series.

In the series Criminal Minds, regardless of which team members were present at any given time, they consistently faced off against some truly chilling unsubs. Prior to Criminal Minds: Evolution, each episode usually began with a murder or some other violent act that served as the foundation for the episodic villain. Although most of the unsubs had racked up a significant number of deaths, many of the characters who met their end in Criminal Minds were relatively unfamiliar. Sadly, this crime drama demonstrated that no character (and often their family members) was completely secure over time.

8. Emily Prentiss

Season 6, Episode 18

In the second season of “Criminal Minds”, Emily Prentiss joined the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). At that time, it wasn’t clear how deeply her past would be intertwined with the show. Before joining the BAU, Prentiss had worked with Interpol to track down a dangerous terrorist named Ian Doyle (Timothy V. Murphy), who was known for his vengeful nature and vast resources. In season 6 of “Criminal Minds”, when Doyle manages to escape prison, he seeks revenge against Prentiss and her team. This pursuit is depicted in season 6, episode 18. In this particular episode, Doyle leaves a four-leaf clover tattoo on Prentiss as a mark and attempts to kill her, effectively “stabbing” her to what appears to be death.

In the show Criminal Minds, it turns out that Emily feigned her demise to safeguard the team from Doyle’s anger and facilitate his ultimate capture. Later on, she reappears and confesses everything, but her absence still leaves a deep wound. For several months, the BAU (except for JJ) mourned their friend and colleague, even attending a funeral for her. Despite being temporary, her supposed death was more distressing for the unaware characters than it was for viewers.

7. Matt Spicer

Season 5, Episode 23

Tim Curry’s portrayal of the Prince of Darkness killer (Billy Flynn) in Criminal Minds left viewers shuddering, but Detective Matt Spicer (Eric Close) was transformed into a sorrowful martyr. As a child, Billy Flynn subjected Spicer to a horrific ordeal by making him witness as he sexually assaulted his mother and took the lives of both parents. The traumatic event was repressed by Spicer, who later pursued a career in law enforcement. However, it was only during season 5, episode 23 of Criminal Minds that the truth came to light, compelling Spicer to face his past.

In the passage of time, following Flynn’s deliberate repetition of his past killings as a means to torment Spicer, Morgan made an effort to protect the detective and his family. Tragically, the embodiment of evil viciously murdered Spicer in full view of Morgan, abducting his daughter. Although Spicer ultimately succumbed to his wounds, Morgan and the rest of the team were successful in rescuing the girl and apprehending Billy Flynn. However, Spicer’s recall of that harrowing night, followed by his death while worrying for his daughter’s wellbeing, was a fate beyond comprehension.

6. Erin Strauss

Season 8, Episode 24

Initially perceived as a hindrance by the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) on Criminal Minds, Erin Strauss (played by Jayne Atkinson), gradually transformed her image until her demise in season 8. Despite coming off as aloof and emotionless initially, she eventually revealed her human side and growing attachment to the BAU. In season 7, both Morgan and Hotch lent a hand to Strauss, assisting her in overcoming her alcoholism.

In the eighth season of Criminal Minds, John Curtis (played by Mark Hamill), also known as The Replicator, emerges with a grudge against the FBI, particularly Strauss. Over time, he had carefully studied the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team and knew just how to strike them. This included orchestrating Strauss’ death in a particularly cruel manner – by manipulating her into relapsing and drinking poisoned wine. This murder method showcases the ruthlessness of one of Criminal Minds’ most unsettling unsubs, highlighting the irony that someone who had developed and evolved so much could meet such an easy demise.

5. Stephen Shepherd

Season 5, Episode 16

As a devoted fan, I can’t forget the chilling impact of “Mosley Lane,” an unforgettable episode from Criminal Minds, directed by none other than Matthew Gray Gubler. This episode is indelibly etched in memory due to its harrowing portrayal of unspeakable evil, embodied by Roger (Bud Cort) and Anita Roycewood (Beth Grant). Their heinous method of annually kidnapping children was a grim reminder of the tragedy that unfolded when their victims grew too old or disobeyed. In a heart-wrenching twist during season 5, episode 16, a young hero, Stephen Shepherd (Austin Mincks), tragically lost his life.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Stephen sacrificed his life to save another child who had been abducted by the Roycewoods. One of the survivors met with Stephen’s parents, seeking clarity about their son’s fate and the age at which he passed away. The survivor revealed that Stephen perished during the ordeal, prompting one of the most poignant lines from the series: “But he was alive yesterday?”

Witnessing a child being kidnapped and enduring years of captivity only to die moments before rescue is among the most gut-wrenching scenarios for any character in Criminal Minds.

4. Jason Gideon

Season 10, Episode 13

In the series “Criminal Minds,” Jason Gideon (portrayed by Mandy Patinkin) was one of the founding members and a primary character during the first two seasons. Gideon served as a mentor to Reid, maintained a close friendship with Rossi, and demonstrated remarkable intellect in solving numerous cases for the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). However, following his girlfriend’s tragic death, Gideon decides to leave the FBI during season 3 of Criminal Minds. Although he is not physically present after that point, Gideon re-enters the story when he is murdered in season 10.

Following his departure from the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), a notorious serial killer began to target the former head of the unit, ultimately taking the life of Gideon with three fatal gunshots. Morgan and Rossi then embarked on an investigation into the death, eventually apprehending the culprit and rescuing his final victim. In an uncharacteristic move, Rossi chose to exact revenge by killing the killer instead of arresting him, a decision that proved to be particularly poignant as it served as justice for Gideon’s untimely demise. The events that followed were emotionally taxing for everyone within the BAU, but the sudden and unexpected off-screen death of such a cherished character left long-time viewers reeling with shock.

3. Will LaMontagne

Season 18, Episode 2

Despite many unstable relationships portrayed in Criminal Minds, JJ and Will LaMontagne (played by Josh Stewart) stood out as an exception. Their love story began in season 2 of the series, leading to their marriage, children, and a seemingly idyllic life together by the end of Criminal Minds season 15. Regrettably, Criminal Minds: Evolution reintroduced JJ and Will with a heartbreaking narrative.

In the first season of “Criminal Minds: Evolution”, although Will’s initial health concern was deemed a false alarm, he later tragically dies from an aneurysm in the episode titled “The Zookeeper”. This sudden event has had profound and lasting effects on JJ and her family. An entire episode was dedicated to Will’s funeral and the aftermath of his passing, showcasing JJ’s raw grief. The decision to kill off such a popular character and disrupt the show’s most solid family dynamic is generating debate among fans.

2. Maeve Donovan

Season 8, Episode 12

In the TV show “Criminal Minds,” Reid, the quirky intellectual character, didn’t often encounter romantic interests. However, he had a significant 10-month long correspondence with Maeve Donovan (played by Beth Riesgraf), a doctor he initially interacted with before season 8. Despite exchanging letters and calls, they couldn’t openly meet or be together because Maeve had a stalker. Unfortunately, their relationship reached its peak in some of Reid’s most impactful “Criminal Minds” episodes, ending rather dramatically due to the stalker situation.

In the 12th episode of season 8 on Criminal Minds, Maeve gets kidnapped by her stalker. The Behavioral Analysis Unit then pinpoints their location. Reid arrives just as the stalker is set to carry out her deadly scheme. Tragically, Maeve ends up dying in a suicide-murder scenario before the stalker could be arrested. After this incident, Reid never pursued another romantic relationship, and Maeve’s death continued to haunt him for the remainder of the original series.

1. Haley Brooks

Season 5, Episode 9

Among all character deaths in “Criminal Minds”, Haley Brooks’ (played by Meredith Monroe) stands out as the most poignant, being the first and ex-wife of Hotch, with whom she shared a son, Jack. In a pivotal moment of season 100, the infamous serial killer known as The Reaper (portrayed by C. Thomas Howell’s George Foyet) terrorizes Hotch and his family, and Haley becomes an unfortunate victim when caught in crossfire during their confrontation. To further torment Hotch, Foyet uses Haley and Jack as leverage against him.

Despite Hotch managing to reach Foyet before he could locate his son, Haley’s lifeless body was the grim reality that awaited him. Regardless of whether Hotch eventually subdues and kills Foyet, such a tragic scenario leaves no true victors. The demise of Haley had a profound impact on Criminal Minds, setting a precedent for more significant characters to meet their end in future episodes. However, none of these deaths can compare to the poignancy of Haley’s.

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2025-06-01 06:19