<P> When Chief Strauss began putting pressure on Hotchner to justify all of his tactical decisions, Hotch decided to step down as unit chief to avoid being reassigned to a different unit . He relinquished his position to Morgan, which he accepted on the condition that he would step down once Foyet had been captured . Shortly thereafter Foyet reappeared, baiting Hotchner through correspondence with an old unsub (The Fox) who had been convicted and imprisoned after being captured in the Season 1 episode, "The Fox". With the help of the team, Hotchner proceeded to track Foyet, who posed as a US Marshal in order to locate Haley and Jack . Having gained access to her Witsec - issued home, Foyet forced Haley to call Hotch on speaker phone . Hotch managed to issue a code to their son, Jack, which meant for him to go hide in his secret place . However, Hotch was unable to save Haley, whom Foyet murdered while she was still talking to him on the phone . </P> <P> Upon arriving at the house, Hotch found Haley's body in the bedroom and noticed Foyet hiding behind the curtains . He repeatedly shot at his shadow outlined in the curtains only to discover Foyet was wearing a bullit - proof vest . A full - out hand - to - hand fight then ensued, with Foyet eventually lying on the floor with Hotch sitting on top of him . In shock, enraged and afraid for his son's life, Hotchner continued to pummel Foyet's head and face, literally beating him to death . Although dead, he continued pounding on Foyet until the rest of the team arrived; Morgan had to physically restrain Hotch to get him to stop . During the post-incident inquiry by Section Chief Strauss, the team demonstrated complete support of Agent Hotchner and his actions, despite Strauss's persistence in painting them as premeditated . Her position towards the events eventually changed upon speaking directly with Agent Hotchner who, when asked what he believed would have happened if Foyet had lived, responded: "I don't have to think; I know that he would have tried to kill my son, too ." Chief Strauss concluded that Hotchner's actions were entirely justifiable . </P> <P> After his ex-wife's murder, Hotch took time off to grieve and spend time with his son . He spoke at Haley's funeral . It was clear that Jack was missing his mother, and was comforted by sleeping in his dad's bed . Hotch was offered early retirement from the BAU in order to be with his son . However, after Haley's sister, Jessica, offered to stay with Jack when Hotch had to go away, Hotch agreed and decided to return to the BAU . Since then, Hotch has attempted to build a better relationship with his son by being his pillar of support . Many of Jack's actions make it clear that he holds his father in high regard . For example, in one scene, Jack is shown playing with two figures at the dinner table . He explains to his father that one figure is Hotch, while the other is a "bad guy". When Jack's Aunt Jessica, who is making pancakes for dinner, asks Jack who is going to win, he replies: "Daddy . No one beats Daddy ." </P> <P> In another episode, he refuses to dress up as Spider - Man for Halloween because "he's not a real super hero". Instead Jack puts on a suit that is slightly too large for him, and when Hotch asks him what hero he's supposed to be, he says, "I'm you, Daddy ." Later on, Hotch is asked to coach Jack's soccer team when the team's performance lacks and he decides to do it with a little help from Rossi, whom he takes on as his assistant . At the end of the episode, Hotch and Rossi are shown coaching Jack's team and making them win . Despite his many responsibilities, after JJ's departure from the team, Hotch has chosen to take on part of JJ's role as media liaison, a move that he shares with Penelope Garcia . Former Media Communications Officer Jennifer "JJ" Jareau has moved on to become an official full - time profiler . </P>

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