Clements was known as a progressive leader who cared about the mental health of his prisoners and worked to ensure their transition into society once released.

[1] His assassination drew international attention, as it came hours before Governor John Hickenlooper signed new gun control laws.

[4] The substantial evidence in the case indicates that the assassin was Evan Spencer Ebel (August 16, 1984 - March 21, 2013), a 28-year-old white supremacist and follower of Asatru.

After a wild chase with engaging gunfire with law enforcement, he collided with a semi-truck carrying a large payload of gravel, to which he got out and continued firing at officers.

[14] A public memorial service was held for Clements at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO, on March 25, 2013.

Hickenlooper called Clements a great man who led a "quiet crusade" to reform the state's correctional system.

"[15] Clements worked in corrections in Missouri for three decades before he accepted an offer from Hickenlooper—in 2010—to head Colorado's prisons.