William Petersen is leaving “CSI”

William Petersen is leaving “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” a move that might have fans of his brainy crimebuster Gil Grissom screaming bloody murder.

Petersen has agreed to return for occasional guest appearances and will remain a “CSI” executive producer but his run as an original cast member will end this coming season, executive producers Carol Mendelsohn and Naren Shankar said Tuesday.

The air date for his final episode, the season’s 10th, has yet to be determined but probably will be at the beginning of 2009, the producers said. The series debuted in fall 2000. A number of familiar characters will return in the episodes building up to Grissom’s departure, among them his former colleague and flame Sara Sidle, played by Jorja Fox; the Miniature Killer and sexy Lady Heather.

“Who better to turn to when you’re a scientist in crisis,” Mendelsohn said jokingly of Heather (Melinda Clarke).  The decision to leave was Petersen’s, the producers said, declining further comment. A call to Petersen’s publicist was not returned Tuesday. Source

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