“Are We Actually Going To Kill Him?“: ‘Chicago P.D.’ Showrunner Reveals Why ‘The Pitt’ Star Shawn Hatosy Had To Go

In one of the most gut-wrenching turns of the season, Chicago P.D. fans were left stunned when Shawn Hatosy’s character, known as "The Pitt," met a brutal and unexpected end. Now, the showrunner is finally opening up — and admitting the decision wasn’t easy.

Shawn Hatosy, best known for his gritty performances and emotionally raw portrayals, had only recently joined Chicago P.D. as Detective Vincent “The Pitt” Parker — a complex, morally conflicted character whose presence shook up the Intelligence Unit dynamic. But just when viewers were warming up to him, the unthinkable happened: he was killed off in a shocking episode that sparked outrage and heartbreak across social media.

In a new interview, showrunner Gwen Sigan pulled back the curtain on the writers’ room deliberations leading up to the scene.

“There was a moment we all looked at each other and said, ‘Are we actually going to kill him?’” Sigan revealed. “We knew it would be controversial, but we also knew it was the right move for the story — and for Voight’s arc moving forward.”

According to Sigan, The Pitt’s death wasn’t about shock value — it was about consequence. His character had been walking a dangerous line, making enemies on both sides of the badge, and ultimately paid the price.

But fans aren’t letting go quietly. Many took to Twitter demanding justice:

“Shawn Hatosy gave one of the best performances of the season and they killed him off?! Unreal.”
“I just started to love The Pitt… WHY?!”

 

Whether it was right or wrong, one thing is clear — Chicago P.D. just proved it’s still willing to take risks. And in doing so, it gave us one of the most unforgettable exits in the show's history.