Reginald Clements was a delusional abductor and possible arsonist who abducted the Henson Twins in 1983 and brainwashed them into becoming his companions. He was mentioned in passing in the Season Twelve episode of Criminal Minds, "Elliott's Pond".
Background[]
Born on November 12, 1934, Clements was mentally ill, emotionally unstable, and upheld a wide variety of delusions. These delusions included believing in extraterrestrial beings, conspiracy theories, and the end of the world. He had been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and abduction of a minor; his defense for the latter was that he was lonely and needed a companion. When he started committing self-mutilation, Clements was institutionalized at a local asylum. He was later released in 1982, after which the place was burned down, triggering a massive escape of several residents; it was never known if Clements started the fire. He then fell off the grid and lived in isolation at an abandoned house. In 1983, the following year, he abducted twins John and Allie Henson, who were wandering through a cornfield near his property. Clements held them captive for decades and brainwashed them with his ideology, convincing them to become his companions. Though it was never elaborated on, it can be presumed that he died at some point prior to the events of the episode (most likely from natural causes), prompting the Henson twins to seek out new companions.
Elliott's Pond[]
Clements is mentioned throughout the final act of the episode, after Garcia identified him as a new suspect in the abduction of the Henson twins, and also the recent abduction of three young boys. The BAU find the house Clements resided in, where they rescue the Henson twins and the trio of boys.
Modus Operandi[]
Because the episode was mostly focused on the Henson twins, there are no specific details on how Clements abducted them. It is believed that he came across them when they encountered one of his traps, and chose to abduct them and make them his companions. He held them captive in his house, barring them from leaving most of the time, if ever. During the twins' period of captivity, Clements brainwashed them with his beliefs, and was able to win them over easily due to their unhappy home life.
Profile[]
No profile of Clements was made by the BAU, who were more focused on the Henson twins.
Known Victims[]
- Unspecified date: An unspecified assault with a deadly weapon
- April 2, 1952: Unnamed child (abducted, but survived)
- Unspecified date in c.1982: A victimless arson fire (possibly; burned down the asylum he was institutionalized in)
- Unspecified date in 1983: John and Allie Henson (both abducted and brainwashed; were rescued in 2016)
Notes[]
- According to his arrest record, Clements's Social Security number is 925-45-5274.
- The photo of Clements is actually John Gubler, the father of Matthew Gray Gubler, who directed the episode.
Appearances[]
- Season Twelve
- "Elliott's Pond" (mentioned; picture shown)