Salem is no stranger to shocking betrayals, twisted family secrets, and heart-wrenching decisions—but nothing could’ve prepared viewers for this jaw-dropping moment: EJ DiMera, the infamous heir to the DiMera dynasty, has been shot in cold blood. And now, whispers are circling that the gunman might be none other than his own brother, Chad.

Could one of the most unbreakable bonds in Salem truly be shattered by betrayal? According to recent Days of Our Lives spoilers, the DiMera family is on the verge of complete implosion—and the truth behind EJ’s shooting will shake Salem to its core.

EJ DiMera: The Fall of a Titan

For years, EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) has stood as one of Salem’s most powerful figures—a cunning strategist, a ruthless businessman, and a loyal (if not always moral) family man. But even power has its price. His manipulative schemes and backdoor betrayals have finally caught up with him, leaving him lying in a hospital bed, clinging to life after a mysterious shooting.

Initially, all eyes turned to his son Johnny. The two had recently clashed in a public and explosive argument over EJ’s betrayal of Johnny’s mother, Sami Brady. Johnny, emotional and armed, was caught in a heated standoff with his father—yet no blood was spilled during their confrontation. Or so everyone thought.

Hours later, EJ was discovered shot in the chest, and the weapon—bearing Johnny’s fingerprints—was found nearby. Salem PD rushed to arrest Johnny, but in a surprising move, EJ defended his son’s innocence. That moment sent shockwaves through the town. Why protect the boy who just threatened you with a loaded gun?

A Sinister Suspect: Chad DiMera’s Hidden Pain

While Johnny and even young Rachel Black emerged as early suspects, one theory has taken hold—and it’s the most heartbreaking of all. Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn), EJ’s half-brother and longtime confidant, could be the real shooter. And if the rumors are true, the motive is rooted in grief, guilt, and a simmering resentment that’s been bubbling under the surface for years.

Chad, who’s endured unimaginable tragedy following the death of his beloved wife Abigail, has been a shell of the man he once was. Viewers have watched him struggle to find purpose and rebuild his life as a single father to Thomas and Charlotte. But as the DiMera empire continues to spiral out of control under EJ’s watch, Chad may have reached a breaking point.

EJ’s recent schemes—particularly those that endangered family or reopened old wounds—might have been the final straw. Chad, always the moral compass of the family, could no longer ignore the damage his brother was causing. And if the gun Johnny left behind was still lying around… Chad may have seen it as an opportunity to stop EJ once and for all.

The Breaking Point: Loyalty vs. Survival

Chad and EJ’s relationship has never been black-and-white. While they’ve stood together through many crises, they’ve also clashed over business, family, and values. EJ’s arrogance, his reckless use of DiMera resources, and his manipulation of loved ones may have pushed Chad beyond forgiveness.

Behind closed doors, Chad has been unraveling—plagued by memories of Abigail, haunted by the fear that the DiMera legacy is collapsing. If he truly believed EJ was dragging their name deeper into ruin, would it be so unthinkable that he’d try to stop him? And in the passionate, emotional world of Salem, would one bullet seem like justice?

Some fans speculate that Chad may have only intended to wound or scare EJ—not to kill him. But in a moment of rage, everything changed. And now, EJ’s silence could speak volumes.

EJ’s Silence: Protecting His Brother?

EJ’s refusal to identify his attacker is baffling—unless he knows exactly who pulled the trigger. Could EJ be protecting Chad, choosing loyalty over truth? After all, DiMeras have always lived by their own code: family above all else.

If EJ is shielding his brother from prosecution, it may be the most selfless thing he’s ever done. Or perhaps it’s guilt—an acknowledgment of the pain he’s caused. Either way, his silence is only deepening the mystery.

Billy Flynn’s Exit: A Storyline of Redemption or Ruin?

Adding fuel to the fire is the recent news that actor Billy Flynn is leaving Days of Our Lives. With Flynn set to join The Young and the Restless under a new identity, it’s clear his time in Salem is drawing to a dramatic close. And what better exit than a prison sentence for shooting his own brother?

The show could be setting the stage for Chad’s arrest in late 2025 or early 2026. Writers might use this arc to explore Chad’s guilt, grief, and eventual redemption. And while he may leave Salem behind, the door would be left open for a future return—perhaps with another actor taking over the role.

A Tragic Goodbye: Salem Shaken

Should Chad be revealed as the shooter, it will send ripples through Salem. His children will be devastated, likely placed in the care of other family members. Kristen, Stefan, and the rest of the DiMeras will be left to pick up the pieces. And EJ—if he survives—will be left grappling with whether to seek vengeance or forgiveness.

Fans will undoubtedly mourn the loss of Chad, a character who’s grown tremendously over the years and has been at the heart of many unforgettable storylines. Flynn’s portrayal, layered with vulnerability and quiet strength, will be missed deeply.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter for the DiMeras

As Days of Our Lives prepares for its next phase, Chad’s shocking exit could pave the way for bold new stories. Could Clyde Weston’s long-standing vendetta tie into the shooting? Could Abigail be alive, her fate connected to the events that drove Chad to act? And will Salem ever be the same after this DiMera brother-versus-brother showdown?

This isn’t just another twist—it’s a turning point. The shooting of EJ DiMera could go down as one of the most shocking events in Days history. And if it truly was Chad who pulled the trigger, fans are in for an emotional, unforgettable ride.