Turner’s departure is the latest cast change to shake the core of the long-running NBC series. With her exit, Chicago P.D. loses a character who, despite being new to the Intelligence Unit, made a deep impression with her calm resolve, quiet intensity, and clear moral compass. Though she was only on the show for one season, Martinez quickly earned her place, and fans had been hopeful for more.
Jo Martinez joined Chicago P.D. at the start of Season 12 as a skilled detective with a military background. Her approach to policing was thoughtful, grounded, and at times in stark contrast to Hank Voight’s morally gray methods. She quickly stood out for her measured demeanor and dedication to justice. Unlike other recent additions to the Intelligence Unit, Martinez felt fully formed — her presence was refreshing and her interactions with other team members, especially Kevin Atwater and Hailey Upton, felt natural and promising.
Her role gave viewers a new kind of voice in the unit — someone who questioned, who thought before acting, and who wasn’t afraid to hold her ground. Martinez represented the kind of evolution fans had long hoped to see in the show’s ensemble, especially as more veteran characters exited the series. With Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton) also set to leave in early Season 13, Turner’s departure significantly shifts the team’s dynamic. Marina Squerciati’s Kim Burgess is now the last female detective standing in the Intelligence Unit, prompting questions about the show’s direction and representation going forward.
What makes Turner’s exit particularly sensitive is Chicago P.D.’s history with poorly handled character departures. Fans still remember the abrupt disappearance of Vanessa Rojas, played by Lisseth Chavez, who was introduced in Season 7 but mysteriously vanished before Season 8 without a single on-screen goodbye. That unresolved exit remains a sore spot for viewers, who are now hoping Jo Martinez won’t suffer the same fate.
Fortunately, the tone of Turner’s statement and early indications from the writers suggest Martinez will receive a more thoughtful sendoff. While NBC has yet to confirm exactly how she’ll be written out, insiders have hinted that her exit may be addressed in the Season 13 premiere. Whether she’s reassigned to a federal task force, promoted to a new division, or leaves the force entirely for personal reasons, fans are asking for one thing above all: closure.
Turner’s decision appears to stem not from conflict or dissatisfaction, but rather from a desire to grow creatively. Known for her breakout role in Netflix’s Warrior Nun, Turner has recently drawn interest from various streaming platforms and production companies. According to sources close to the actress, she’s exploring opportunities that offer more central, character-driven roles — and may even be developing her own projects as both actor and producer.
The fan response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Hashtags like #ThankYouToya and #JoMartinezForever trended across platforms as viewers shared clips, quotes, and messages thanking Turner for her contribution to the series. Many praised her for making such a bold decision at a pivotal moment in her career, and even more expressed hope that her character might return down the line. “Jo Martinez was exactly what the show needed — smart, composed, and full of quiet strength,” one fan tweeted. “I hope they don’t close the door on her forever.”
With Turner gone and Spiridakos on her way out, Chicago P.D. is entering Season 13 with a dramatically altered lineup. Whether the writers choose to bring in new blood or refocus on the remaining core — Voight, Ruzek, Atwater, and Burgess — remains to be seen. What’s clear, however, is that Jo Martinez’s departure will leave a noticeable gap. And yet, her legacy on the show is already secure. In just one season, Toya Turner created a character who resonated deeply with fans and left them wanting more. Her portrayal of Martinez offered not just skill and strength, but grace, restraint, and purpose — traits that are often in short supply in the fast-paced world of television crime dramas.
