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Christopher Meloni leaving "Law & Order"

Actors Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay attend the 2011 Joyful Heart Foundation Gala at The Museum of Modern Art on May 17, 2011 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

(CBS/AP) It seems we've seen the last of Elliot Stabler and his crime-stopping days.

Actor Christopher Meloni, who plays  Stabler,  reportedly has decided that he will not be returning to "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" this coming fall.

Pictures: Christopher Meloni

The Emmy nominated actor and Universal Media Studios were unable to come to terms on a new contract, according to a person familiar with the situation, who spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because NBC had yet to make an official comment on the situation.

However, Mariska Hargitay, Meloni's co-star will return for the show's 13th season, the person said.

It wasreported earlier this month that Hargitay's character will be promoted to a supervisor's position and Jennifer Love Hewitt will step into her position as Meloni's partner. Now, what will happen?

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