Quick Scoop: What Happens to Denny in Chicago P.D.?

Denny Woods —Hank Voight’s former partner turned corrupt auditor—ends up arrested in the Season 5 finale after a long-running vendetta against Voight and the Intelligence Unit backfires. His schemes lead to the wrongful imprisonment and eventual murder of Alvin Olinsky , and he’s ultimately taken down for witness tampering, unlawful imprisonment, and indirect involvement in Olinsky’s death.

Who Is Denny Woods?

Denny Woods (played by Mykelti Williamson) is introduced in Season 4 as a high-ranking CPD officer and Voight’s old partner. Their history goes back decades, but their relationship sours when Voight discovers that Denny wrongfully convicted an innocent man to advance his own career.

After being exposed and stripped of his badge, Denny reemerges in Season 5 as an independent auditor with a personal grudge—determined to bring down Voight and the Intelligence Unit by any means necessary.

Key Moments in Denny’s Storyline

Season 4: The Fall from Power

  • Denny is revealed to have framed an innocent suspect years earlier.
  • Voight and the Intelligence Unit gather evidence, leading to Denny’s public disgrace and removal from the force.

Season 5: The Auditor’s Revenge

  • Now an auditor, Denny uses his position to investigate and undermine Voight’s unit.
  • He bribes a witness to falsely accuse Alvin Olinsky of kidnapping, resulting in Alvin’s indictment and imprisonment.
  • While in prison, Alvin is murdered by inmates , a tragedy directly tied to Denny’s manipulation.

Season 5 Finale: “Homecoming”

  • Voight, devastated by Alvin’s death, works to expose Denny’s crimes.
  • He turns Denny’s own associates against him and gathers enough evidence to send to Internal Affairs.
  • Denny is arrested for:
    • Witness tampering
    • Unlawful imprisonment
    • Indirect responsibility for Alvin Olinsky’s murder

Emotional Complications: Denny’s Daughter

In Season 5, Episode 14 (“Anthem”) , Denny’s personal life intersects with the case when his daughter, Brianna Woods , becomes involved in a dangerous situation tied to a gambling ring. She’s taken hostage and later dies in the hospital , adding another layer of tragedy and bitterness to Denny’s already volatile relationship with Voight.

Why Denny’s Arc Matters

Denny Woods is one of the few villains in Chicago P.D. whose actions have lasting, irreversible consequences for the main characters—especially the loss of fan-favorite Alvin Olinsky. His storyline explores themes of corruption, revenge, and the cost of unchecked ambition , making him a memorable antagonist in the series.

TL;DR

Denny Woods starts as Voight’s old partner, becomes a corrupt auditor hell- bent on revenge, indirectly causes Alvin Olinsky’s death, and is finally arrested in the Season 5 finale for his crimes.

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