Toya Turner Exits ‘Chicago P.D.’ Before Season 13 — What Her Departure Means for the Intelligence Unit

Fans of Chicago P.D. are bracing for yet another shake-up as it’s officially confirmed that Toya Turner is leaving the series ahead of its highly anticipated Season 13.

Turner, who joined the One Chicago universe in Season 12 as Detective Jo Martinez, quickly became a fresh force in the Intelligence Unit — earning praise for her sharp instincts, commanding presence, and emotional depth. But just as viewers were beginning to settle into her character, her story is being cut short.

What Happens to Detective Jo Martinez?

The question on every viewer’s mind now: how will Chicago P.D. write out Detective Jo Martinez?

Season 12 ended without any direct hints that Jo would be leaving. In fact, she had just begun to form deeper working relationships with key members of the Intelligence Unit — especially Hailey Upton, with whom she shared a growing mutual respect.

One theory is that Jo is reassigned or recruited to a higher-level federal agency — which would match her background in military intelligence and provide an “elevated” exit rather than a tragic one. Given how other characters have departed (Alvin Olinsky’s prison stabbing, Jay Halstead’s sudden reassignment, or Erin Lindsay’s departure to New York), fans are hoping for something a bit more graceful this time.

The Bigger Picture: Cast Turnover and Series Evolution

Fans of Chicago P.D. are bracing for yet another shake-up as it’s officially confirmed that Toya Turner is leaving the series ahead of its highly anticipated Season 13. Turner, who joined the One Chicago universe in Season 12 as Detective Jo Martinez, quickly became a fresh force in the Intelligence Unit — earning praise for her sharp instincts, commanding presence, and emotional depth. But just as viewers were beginning to settle into her character, her story is being cut short.

NBC and Wolf Entertainment have yet to reveal whether her departure is story-driven or personal, but sources close to production indicate the exit was finalized during early script planning for Season 13, which begins filming this summer. Here’s what we know — and what Toya Turner’s departure means for the future of Chicago P.D. Toya Turner’s arrival in Chicago P.D. was a welcome surprise. Introduced as Detective Jo Martinez, a former military intelligence officer turned detective, she brought a cool-headed analytical style that often clashed — but also complemented — the more instinct-driven approach of Hank Voight’s team.

Though she appeared in fewer than 10 episodes, Turner left a lasting impression. From her interrogation room showdowns to her tension-filled moments with Ruzek and Atwater, Martinez represented a shift in the show’s energy — someone who didn’t just follow Voight’s orders blindly but challenged them when her gut told her something was off. “She was a breath of fresh air,” one fan wrote on social media. “Smart, tough, and emotionally grounded. We needed more Jo.”As of now, neither Turner nor NBC has issued an official statement explaining her departure. However, speculation is swirling. Industry insiders suggest Turner may be stepping away to pursue other projects — including possible lead roles in upcoming streaming dramas and films. It wouldn’t be a stretch. Turner previously gained acclaim for her role in Netflix’s Warrior Nun, where she played Sister Mary, a fan-favorite character known for her fierce fighting skills and no-nonsense demeanor. She’s widely regarded as one of the rising stars in television — someone ready to take on lead roles rather than supporting ensemble parts.

There are opportunities on the table that she couldn’t ignore,” one unnamed source told Deadline. “While she loved being part of Chicago P.D., it was clear she had bigger goals.” Season 12 ended without any direct hints that Jo would be leaving. In fact, she had just begun to form deeper working relationships with key members of the Intelligence Unit — especially Hailey Upton, with whom she shared a growing mutual respect.

One theory is that Jo is reassigned or recruited to a higher-level federal agency — which would match her background in military intelligence and provide an “elevated” exit rather than a tragic one. Given how other characters have departed (Alvin Olinsky’s prison stabbing, Jay Halstead’s sudden reassignment, or Erin Lindsay’s departure to New York), fans are hoping for something a bit more graceful this time. Turner’s departure adds to the growing list of cast changes that have reshaped Chicago P.D. in recent seasons. From the loss of Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) to the emotional rollercoaster involving Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton), the Intelligence Unit is no stranger to change.

While turnover can be a challenge, it also opens up opportunities for fresh storytelling. Jo Martinez, brief though her run was, proved that the show can successfully integrate new characters without losing its edge. Still, fans have been vocal about wanting more stability — especially as the show moves into its 13th season. As one of NBC’s longest-running police procedurals, Chicago P.D. thrives on character development, and many fear that too many comings and goings could erode the show’s emotional core.

Though her Chicago P.D. chapter is closing, Toya Turner’s career is clearly just getting started. In addition to ongoing discussions about returning to the Warrior Nun universe (now being revived as a trilogy of feature-length films), she’s reportedly in talks for lead roles in several high-profile series currently in development at Apple TV+ and HBO. With her commanding presence, nuanced acting chops, and undeniable charisma, Turner is poised to become a major name in the world of prestige TV and streaming. “She’s the kind of actress who can carry a show,” said one TV critic. “I wouldn’t be surprised if, a year from now, we’re talking about her Emmy nomination.”

The reaction among Chicago P.D. fans has been a mix of disappointment and understanding. Social media lit up following the news, with hashtags like #BringBackJo and #ThankYouToya trending in fan communities. Many are calling on showrunners to keep the door open for Turner’s return — either in future episodes or even a spin-off series focused on her character. Given her backstory and special skills, a Jo Martinez-centric limited series wouldn’t be out of the question.

Toya Turner’s exit from Chicago P.D. may come sooner than fans hoped, but her impact is undeniable. In just one season, she crafted a character who felt fully formed, morally complex, and refreshingly different from the rest of the unit. Whether this is a permanent goodbye or just “see you later,” one thing is clear — Detective Jo Martinez won’t be forgotten anytime soon. As Season 13 begins production, all eyes will be on how the show addresses her absence and what new stories might arise in the wake of her departure. And for Toya Turner? Her next act is only just beginning.