Alvin Olinsky, portrayed by Elias Koteas, was a beloved character in NBC's Chicago PD. A senior detective and Hank Voight’s trusted right-hand man, Olinsky's tragic death remains one of the most heart-wrenching storylines of the series.
From his loyalty to Voight to the devastating circumstances leading to his demise, Olinsky's exit left fans stunned. This article explores the events that led to his death and its aftermath.
Being a police officer in jail is perilous, and Olinsky was no exception. In Chicago PD Season 5, Episode 21, tensions grew among the inmates. A prison guard named Dan Dietz allowed Olinsky to walk unguarded, leading to a fatal attack.
An inmate ambushed Olinsky, stabbing him multiple times in the abdomen. The episode ended with Olinsky collapsing from his injuries, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The next episode, the Season 5 finale of Chicago PD, revealed Olinsky’s tragic fate. Despite being rushed to the hospital and undergoing emergency surgery, he succumbed to his injuries. His final words to Voight, “I got this,” echoed his unwavering loyalty.
The news of Olinsky’s death devastated Voight and the Intelligence Unit, marking one of the show’s most emotional moments.
The beginning of Olinsky's downfall in Chicago PD
Olinsky’s fate was tied to the murder of Voight’s son, Justin, in Chicago PD Season 3. Justin was killed while trying to help a friend’s widow, Melissa Wilds, who was being blackmailed by a robbery gang. The criminals forced Melissa to reveal sensitive information, leading to a series of tragic events that claimed Justin’s life.
Voight, devastated by his son’s death, sought revenge. He tracked down the murderer, Kevin Bingham, and killed him in secret. This act set the stage for Olinsky’s eventual downfall.
Voight’s cover-up of Bingham’s murder seemed foolproof until Season 5 when Bingham’s body was discovered. Surprisingly, evidence at the crime scene implicated Olinsky, as his DNA was found on the corpse.
Despite being innocent, Olinsky took the blame to protect Voight. He was charged with second-degree murder and felony concealment, whispering to Voight, “I got this,” as he was arrested. Olinsky’s loyalty to Voight remained unshaken, even as he faced the harsh consequences.
Voight, consumed by grief and guilt, vowed to avenge Olinsky’s death. The team uncovered that Dietz, the prison guard, was bribed to look the other way during the attack. The murderer, Andre Velasco, had been hired by Carlos DeLeon, a member of the Cali Cartel.
The motive for the hit was traced back to a DEA investigation Olinsky had worked on, which resulted in the death of Carlos’ brother. Seeking revenge, Carlos orchestrated the attack on Olinsky.
Voight cornered Carlos on a rooftop and shot him dead, claiming self-defense. While this brought some closure, it couldn’t undo the loss of Olinsky.
Although Olinsky’s death was tragic, Voight fought to restore his friend's reputation. He struck a deal with Deputy Superintendent Katherine Brennan to exonerate Olinsky. In exchange, Voight agreed to help her with certain tasks.
By Season 6, Olinsky’s name was cleared, ensuring his wife, Meredith, could collect his pension. This small victory provided some solace to the Intelligence Unit.
Olinsky’s death left a lasting impact on the series. It showcased the consequences of loyalty and the moral compromises made by the Intelligence Unit. For fans, his absence created a void that no other character could fill.
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Alvin Olinsky’s death in Chicago PD remains one of the show’s most heartbreaking moments. His unwavering loyalty to Voight, even at the cost of his own life, highlighted his character's strength and devotion. Though his death marked the end of an era, Olinsky’s legacy lives on as a testament to sacrifice and friendship.
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