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"Here's what we know so far." The team were currently assembled around the round table, listening intently to what Hotch was saying.
"The Ellis's were kidnapped around fifteen hours ago at five pm yesterday evening. The whole family was reported missing when their neighbor noticed their front door open and discovered them gone. Traces of blood were left at the scene and have only just been identified as Michael Ellis's blood, the father." Aaron finished speaking.
Spencer nodded, already formulating theories in his mind. "It's most likely that the father was the hardest to over power and the unsub had to resort to physical violence to subdue him instead of using fear like they most likely did with the rest of the family."
"How do you think the unsub got all of the family out of the house?" JJ asked. "Surely lugging around a six foot man and a woman and two kids is hard enough."
Aaron swirled his finger around his thumb, slipping into thought. This case was particularly infuriating because he had two kids, and it was rather unsettling to see two young children on their evidence board. He didn't let the team see his worries, but he couldn't say the same for JJ—she was a mess when she was alone.
"If the unsub rendered the father unconscious first, they could have used that fear to make the family carry their father out." Rossi suggested, looking at the pictures of the victims.
"That's kind of...dark." Emily said bluntly. "But it makes sense."
"We have nothing to go on but the M.O and victimology. The crime scenes have nothing but blood from the father and an open door." Derek spoke, his face full of worry and minor annoyance.
Hotch understood his apprehension, which is why he walked to the front of the room, looking at his team.
"I know. Which is why we're going to have to work extra hard on his case. Morgan and Rossi, head to the M.E and find out what you can about the previous families. JJ, the Ellis' family is waiting in the family room, I want you to find out everything you can about the Ellis family." Hotch gave out orders. "Reid, Prentiss and myself will coordinate from here with Garcia."
It was at that moment that Garcia ran into the room, her face as white as a sheet. "Guys." Her voice trembled. "They just found Michael Ellis' body. Um, just look."
The pictures appeared on the screen before them. JJ blinked and then averted her eyes from the screen, refusing to look at the body of Michael Ellis.
"As you can see, he was found outside the Ellis house. His uh—" Penelope paused as she stared at the picture.
Aaron noticed her discomfort and took over. "His neck was broken and his head was twisted all the way around so that he faced the opposite direction."
