After just one season of shaking things up in the Intelligence Unit, Chicago P.D. has officially lost one of its most promising new characters — and fans are still trying to process the shocking exit. Detective Jo Martinez, played by Toya Turner, joined the One Chicago universe in Season 12 and quickly became a standout addition to the ensemble. But now, just as viewers were growing attached to her tough-as-nails exterior and sharp investigative instincts, she’s out — and the reasons are both surprising and disappointing.
The sudden departure raises questions not only about what’s happening behind the scenes but also about how the show plans to maintain momentum heading into its thirteenth season. Here’s what we know about Toya Turner’s exit, how her character’s departure might unfold, and what this means for the long-running police procedural.
So when news broke that Toya Turner would not be returning for Season 13, the reaction was swift — and emotional. Turner’s portrayal of Martinez brought a unique energy to the team, and her story arc seemed far from finished. Unlike past characters whose exits were often foreshadowed through personal crises or dramatic developments, Martinez’s storyline ended quietly and without closure.
Neither NBC nor Turner has released an official statement explaining the departure, but insiders suggest it was a creative decision rather than a personal one. Some reports hint that producers felt her storyline had “reached a natural endpoint,” while others believe the writers want to shift focus back to long-established characters like Voight and Burgess in the upcoming season.
At the end of Season 12, there were no obvious signs that Jo Martinez was preparing to leave the unit. In fact, she had just begun to earn deeper trust within the team and had been instrumental in resolving a major undercover case that put several lives on the line. Given that, her exit will likely be handled in the Season 13 premiere — possibly with a reassignment, or in true Chicago P.D. fashion, a major off-screen development. However, fans are hoping for a more respectful goodbye that leaves the door open for her return.
Turner’s departure adds to a trend that many fans are starting to worry about — the increasing turnover of characters in the One Chicago universe. In recent seasons, viewers have said goodbye to longtime favorites like Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), and Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos, whose exit is expected in Season 13 as well). While rotating the cast can keep the show feeling fresh, some believe it’s leading to emotional disconnect. “At some point, we need consistency,” a long-time fan wrote in a discussion forum. “You can’t keep asking us to get invested in new people if they’re gone in a season.”
Though fans are disappointed to see her leave Chicago P.D., there’s no doubt that Toya Turner’s star is rising. The actress first gained attention for her fierce performance in Netflix’s Warrior Nun, and she’s reportedly being courted for several new projects across both streaming platforms and premium networks. Insiders say she’s in talks for a lead role in a psychological thriller series and is also developing an indie film project where she’ll serve as both lead actress and executive producer. “She has range, screen presence, and serious acting chops,” said one industry analyst. “She’ll be back on our screens soon — and in an even bigger way.”
Despite the loss, Chicago P.D. remains one of NBC’s flagship dramas — and its fan base is as loyal as ever. But with multiple major exits and an evolving team dynamic, Season 13 will need to deliver strong writing, emotional continuity, and compelling new arcs to keep momentum. Will Voight continue to evolve? Can Ruzek and Burgess find peace amid chaos? And will there be another new face joining the unit — or are fans done with reinventions? Those questions will define the future of the show. But for now, it’s clear that Jo Martinez’s sudden exit is a turning point — and the beginning of a new chapter for both the Intelligence Unit and Toya Turner herself.
Toya Turner’s short-lived but powerful role as Jo Martinez left a mark that fans won’t soon forget. Her abrupt departure from Chicago P.D. after just one season has sparked frustration, speculation, and reflection — but also gratitude. Gratitude for a character who brought strength, subtlety, and a fresh perspective to a beloved series. While it’s always tough to say goodbye, it’s worth remembering what Martinez brought in her short time — and what Toya Turner is sure to bring next. Because even when doors close in Chicago, bigger ones may be opening in Hollywood.
