Kanakaredes closing 'CSI: NY' case after 6 years

[July 13, 2010]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Melina Kanakaredes (kah-nah-KAH'-ree-deez) is taking herself off the case for "CSI: NY."

CBS said Monday that the actress has decided to leave the crime drama after six seasons. The network expressed disappointment but said it respected her choice to "move on."

The actress says she would treasure the "amazing" friendships she made on "CSI: NY."

Kanakaredes' departure was announced just weeks before the shows resumes production on July 28.

"CSI: NY" will move from Wednesday to Friday night this fall.

There was no word from CBS on a possible replacement for Kanakaredes, who played police Detective Stella Bonasera.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.