Salem is on the verge of unraveling one of its most jaw-dropping mysteries. EJ DiMera, a pillar of the infamous DiMera dynasty, is at the center of a twisting saga involving buried memories, hypnotic revelations, and a betrayal that hits shockingly close to home. But who pulled the trigger—and why can’t EJ remember the face of his own assailant?

Well, Days of Our Lives spoilers hint at a truth so heartbreaking, so deeply personal, that fans might never look at the DiMera family the same way again.

A Father’s Memory: Shattered by Trauma, Hidden by Love

EJ’s shocking shooting wasn’t a product of mob revenge or corporate sabotage. Instead, it may be the tragic outcome of an innocent moment gone horribly wrong. EJ, known for his calculated demeanor and ruthless ambition, is now forced to confront something far more terrifying: the idea that someone he loves may be responsible.

When Salem’s resident psychiatrist, Dr. Marina Evans, offers to guide EJ through hypnosis to recover his lost memories, it’s not just to clear Johnny’s name. It’s a desperate attempt to uncover the truth buried deep within EJ’s traumatized mind.

Under Hypnosis: A Night Revisited in Fragments

In a dimly lit office filled with the soft hum of a ticking clock, EJ surrenders to the trance. What begins as flashes of light and muffled sounds quickly turns into vivid sensory recall. The smell of rain in the air, the low rumble of a passing car—everything about that night starts to surface.

Then comes the voice. His voice. Pleading, not demanding. Soft, not severe.

“Why didn’t you give it to me?” EJ’s recollection of this seven-word plea stuns Marina. It’s not a threat—it’s a question filled with concern, spoken in a tone reserved for someone precious. Someone vulnerable.

Could the shooter be someone EJ was trying to protect?

Hidden Truths: Clues Point to a Child

Spoilers suggest EJ’s memory is shielding him from an unbearable truth. The shooter may not be a criminal—but a child. And not just any child. All signs begin to point to young Rachel Black, the bright, curious girl who has already found herself tangled in adult scandals far beyond her years.

Imagine this: Rachel, innocently exploring the lavish DiMera estate, stumbles upon what she believes is a toy gun hidden in an antique drawer. A moment of playful curiosity ends in chaos as the weapon discharges, sending EJ crashing to the ground.

He remembers the small frame, the shaking hands. The way the “attacker” froze. The feeling wasn’t fear—it was worry. It wasn’t an ambush—it was an accident.

Family Loyalty vs. The Truth

EJ, fiercely protective of those he loves, may have subconsciously repressed the truth to shield Rachel. To shield them all. But as Marina urges him deeper into the memory, EJ recalls a detail that changes everything—the sound of laughter turning to sobs, and the sight of a beloved stuffed animal lying beside the gun.

It’s a devastating realization: the one who hurt him wasn’t trying to harm. She didn’t even understand the danger.

Could this explain why EJ has refused to accuse anyone? Is he choosing silence to protect Rachel from the storm that would follow?

The Aftermath: Salem Braces for Impact

Days spoilers reveal that EJ’s journey is far from over. Future hypnosis sessions may unlock even more painful memories—memories that will shake the DiMera family to its core. If Rachel is revealed as the accidental shooter, how will her mother, Kristen, respond? Will she fight to keep her daughter out of prison—or will she sacrifice her to preserve the DiMera name?

And what about Johnny, who’s already suffering under false suspicion? How will he react knowing his innocence was buried under layers of secrecy, all to protect someone else?

A Town of Secrets, A Legacy of Lies

Meanwhile, the storyline takes another shocking turn involving Sophia, whose harrowing secret threatens to collapse under the weight of lies. Weeks ago, in a moment of isolation and fear, Sophia gave birth alone and abandoned her baby. That decision set off a chain of deception involving falsified birth records, an illegal adoption, and the manipulation of not just paperwork—but people.

Tate, the baby’s father, is left heartbroken after Sophia convinces him their daughter was adopted by strangers. But photos she showed him don’t add up. In fact, the smiling “adoptive parents” might just be actors—or worse, stock photos pasted into a frame.

And now Leo Stark, flamboyant yet sharp-eyed, is beginning to suspect something’s wrong. The baby’s features, the dates, the timelines—nothing aligns. Leo’s instincts might be the only thing standing between Sophia’s secret and total disaster.

Sophia’s Fear: A Clock Ticking Toward Exposure

Every day that passes puts Sophia closer to exposure. Salem doesn’t forgive or forget—and secrets don’t stay buried. Especially when Tate’s legal rights, Brady’s silent guilt, and a forged adoption trail are all ready to erupt.

The walls are closing in, and Sophia knows it.

Will Leo be the one to uncover the truth? Can Tate fight for the child he never got a chance to know? Or will Sophia’s web of lies hold just long enough to slip away?

Back to EJ: Truth or Manipulation?

Even as EJ’s memories resurface, some fans speculate whether he’s telling the whole truth. Could he be weaving a new version of events to save Johnny—and shift blame onto Rachel? Is this strategic storytelling by a DiMera master manipulator, or the heart-wrenching truth of a man trying to protect a child?

We may soon find out. Courtroom showdowns, explosive confrontations, and tearful revelations are on the horizon. As Salem teeters on the edge of chaos, only one thing is certain—nothing will ever be the same again.