Days of Our Lives has delivered countless jaw-dropping reveals over the years, but nothing prepared fans for the latest mind-bending twist.

After weeks of suspicion, misdirection, and emotional turmoil, viewers finally learned the truth: Jeremy was never the culprit. It was Joy all

along — the seemingly sweet, soft-spoken young woman who secretly poisoned both Stephanie and Alex.

 

 

This shocking revelation turns Salem upside down and raises one burning question: Why would Joy risk everything to attack two people who had never wronged her — at least, not directly?

The Setup: All Signs Pointed to Jeremy

 

 

The storyline began innocently, with tensions already running high between Jeremy and the Johnson family. His impulsive behavior, strange disappearances, and shady dealings made him an easy target when Stephanie suddenly fell violently ill. Alex soon followed, collapsing in a chilling moment that left Salem residents scrambling for answers.

 

 

Evidence seemed to stack up against Jeremy:

He had access to the event where Stephanie collapsed.

He had argued with Alex earlier that day.

He had disappeared moments before Stephanie’s symptoms began.

He had a history of questionable decisions and reckless actions.

 

 

To everyone — from the Salem PD to the Brady family — Jeremy looked guilty. Even he started doubting himself, fearing he may have been manipulated or drugged.

But the true mastermind was hiding in plain sight.

Joy’s Mask Cracks — and the Truth Spills Out

The stunning twist unfolded when Kayla noticed inconsistencies in Joy’s story — specifically her timeline and the overly emotional reaction she displayed whenever Stephanie’s name came up. At first, Kayla chalked it up to stress. But Joy’s slip-ups grew larger:

She referenced medical details only the poisoner could know.

She appeared at the hospital before anyone had called her.

She was found disposing of a vial she claimed was “old perfume,” but lab tests revealed residue of the same toxin found in Stephanie’s system.

As the walls closed in, Joy couldn’t handle the pressure. In a dramatic confrontation, she broke down — not in fear, but in rage. Her confession was eerie, emotional, and charged with long-buried resentment.

Why Joy Did It: A Dark and Twisted Motivation

Joy’s motive wasn’t revenge… not in the traditional sense. Instead, her reason was far more unsettling: obsession, jealousy, and a distorted sense of justice.

According to Joy, Stephanie had “stolen everything” that should have belonged to her — opportunities, affection, and even family attention. For years, she felt invisible, overshadowed, and disregarded. Alex, meanwhile, became collateral damage because Joy believed he “enabled” Stephanie’s success and supported her every move.

In Joy’s twisted logic, removing them wasn’t cruelty — it was balance.

But the reveal doesn’t end there.

Joy admitted she had been planning the attack for months, learning about toxins, practicing small doses on nonlethal targets, and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Her transformation from shy to sinister is one of the most shocking character arcs DOOL has delivered in recent memory.

Stephanie and Alex Fight for Their Lives

While the police interrogated Joy, doctors raced to stabilize both victims. Stephanie’s recovery hangs by a thread, with lingering neurological symptoms that threaten long-term consequences. Alex, though slightly more stable, faces complications that could derail his future — physically and emotionally.

Friends and family gather at the hospital in some of the episode’s most emotional scenes:

Chad quietly breaks down beside Stephanie’s bed, begging her to wake up.

Kayla struggles to balance her role as doctor and mother, her hands steady but her voice trembling.

Justin and Sonny rally around Alex, furious yet helpless.

Steve wrestles with guilt, wondering how he missed Joy’s psychological unraveling.

These moments reinforce how deeply Joy’s betrayal cuts through Salem’s tight-knit community.

Jeremy Is Cleared — but Not Untouched

With Joy’s confession, Jeremy is officially absolved. But the damage is already done. His reputation has been dragged through the mud, and the emotional toll is heavy. Many in Salem treated him like a criminal long before any evidence existed.