'Criminal Minds' season 12 episode 8 spoilers: Team investigates on the murder of 12 people; BAU welcomes new team member Stephen Walker

The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team heads to Washington in the upcoming episode of the hit CBS procedural "Criminal Minds" season 12.

Titled "Scarecrow," the next episode of "Criminal Minds" will explore a case involving the death of a dozen people. According to the official synopsis for episode 8, the BAU team travels to Yakima, Washington after a dozen dead bodies are discovered along a creek bed. Additionally, they welcome their new team member Stephen Walker (Damon Gupton), a man recognized in his field after many years working for the Behavioral Analysis Program in the FBI.

 A first-look photo of Gupton as the newest BAU member has been recently released, and it looks like he will have a major role in his first case in the department. As Cartermatt points out, the circumstances surrounding his arrival on the show remains unclear. It is speculated that the BAU recruited him in the given fact that "Criminal Minds" now has a bit of space they can use to fill up the roster. After all, former cast member Thomas Gibson—who plays Hotch—reportedly commanded a huge salary. With his exit, there is more room to bring more new characters in the story and make the cast more of an ensemble.

Last week, it was finally revealed how Gibson's Hotch was written out of the show. Rossi told the team that Mr. Scratch was present at one of Jack's soccer games and at his school. Hotch initially ordered to put a 24/7 surveillance on his son, but it didn't seem enough. He eventually decided to resign from the FBI and enter a witness protection program for the safety of his family.

After a one-week break, "Criminal Minds" season 12 returns with a new episode on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.