Special Agent Ashley Seaver (Rachel Nichols) is the daughter of Charles Beauchamp, a serial killer known as The Redmond Ripper, who murdered 25 women during Ashley's childhood and was later caught by agents Rossi (Joe Mantegna) and Hotchner (Thomas Gibson). Ashley subsequently took her mother's maiden name and broke any contact with her father, who is currently serving a life sentence in North Dakota. He sends her letters sometimes, but she never opens them, even though she keeps them.Seaver first worked with the team while still a cadet, when Rossi asked for her insight on a case (6x10 What happens at home ) due to her unique background. She was then allowed to join the BAU as a temporary member, while finishing her training. After graduating from the FBI Academy, she officially joins the team as a probationary agent.