'Criminal Minds' season 12 episode 16 spoilers: A mother steps in to help the BAU

A mother will come forward to the BAU to help them in an ongoing case. Meanwhile, Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) experiences the tough side of being in prison.

On the next episode of "Criminal Minds" season 12, titled "Assistance is Futile," a mother will be handing a significant lead to the BAU that will help them solve their ongoing case.

"A mother steps forward with valuable information for the BAU to aid in their investigation of an unsub known as the bone crusher. Also, Reid must adapt to a new set of rules in prison life," the episode listing on The Futon Critic reads.

The mother, Miranda White — who will be portrayed by Academy Award Winner Tatum O'Neal — might be the bone crusher's mother, given that she will be providing essential information about the unsub.

Meanwhile, it appears that Reid will get his first beating in prison.

As seen from the episode 16 promo, Shaw (Harold Perrineau) tells Reid about being either a "predator or prey" inside the prison. But later on, two inmates visit Dr. Reid in his cell, calling him a "snitch" before they start pounding on him.

Will Shaw come to Reid's rescue?

Reid's chance of proving his innocence might be slipping away as it seems that Mr. Scratch's (Bodhi Elfman) set up of him killing Rose Medina (Ani Sava) — the person he buys experimental drugs from for his mother — in Mexico may have sealed his fate in prison.

JJ (A.J. Cook) assures Reid that they won't let Mr. Scratch get away with what he did, but Reid's fate won't shown until season 12 episodes 21 and 22. Executive producer Erica Messer shared with TV Guide that the end of Reid's arc will also be the show's two-part finale episode.

"Criminal Minds" season 12 returns with episode 16 on Wednesday, March 15, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.