(August 18, 2008)--"Matrix" star Laurence Fishburne is joining the cast of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," stepping into the gap left by departing cast member William Petersen, CBS says.
CBS told The Associated Press that Fishburne will be introduced in the ninth episode of the upcoming season.
He will play a college lecturer and former pathologist who is focused on why people commit acts of violence.
Petersen, who has been with the series since it debuted in fall 2000, will leave the show early next year.
CBS says the airdate for Petersen's final episode hasn't been determined.