The Murder That Shattered Salem

Back in June 2022, Salem was left in ruins by a crime so brutal that it stunned fans worldwide. Abigail Deveraux DiMera (played with exquisite emotional depth by Marci Miller)

met what appeared to be her tragic end at the hands of notorious villain Clyde Weston (James Read). The moment was unforgettable. Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn), returning home with his children Thomas and Charlotte,

stumbled upon his wife lying in a pool of blood inside the DiMera mansion. His frantic attempts to save her failed, leaving Abigail to slip away in his arms. The gut-wrenching scene marked not only

a devastating loss for Chad and their children but also a seismic moment for the Horton and DiMera families.

The Murder Mystery That Gripped Fans

In true soap opera fashion, Abigail’s death triggered an investigation brimming with twists, red herrings, and shocking suspects. Lucas Horton, Leo Stark, Gwen Rizczech, and Sarah Horton were all pulled into the mystery, each with secrets and motives of their own.

But ultimately, it was Clyde Weston — Salem’s resident criminal mastermind — who emerged as the culprit. In a chilling confession, Clyde admitted he had broken into the mansion intending to kill Belle Black Brady due to her ties to EJ DiMera. Instead, he encountered Abigail. When she threatened to call the police, Clyde silenced her in a violent frenzy.

The reveal devastated viewers, who mourned Abigail not only as a beloved character but as a legacy heroine whose life had been entwined with Salem’s history since her birth in 1992.

Clyde’s Shocking Claim: Abigail Is Alive

Just when fans thought the story had reached closure, Days of Our Lives threw a curveball of epic proportions. In a jaw-dropping twist, Clyde claimed that Abigail wasn’t dead at all. During a tense confrontation in prison, Clyde dropped the bombshell on Chad, insisting that Abigail had survived — and that he had proof.

A flash drive surfaced containing mysterious footage of a blonde woman pacing an empty room. While her face was obscured, the actress featured was none other than newcomer AnnaLynne McCord, fueling immediate speculation. Was this truly Abigail, suffering from amnesia or captivity? Or was it an elaborate hoax meant to torment Chad further?

The mystery deepened when Abigail’s coffin was exhumed — and found empty. Suddenly, Salem was awash with questions. If Abigail hadn’t been buried, where was she?

A Dangerous Scheme Unfolds

As clues unraveled, a new character entered the fray: Catherina “Cat” Green. Forced by Clyde to impersonate Abigail, Cat was trapped in a sinister scheme. Clyde’s leverage? He held Cat’s mother hostage, ensuring her compliance. His ultimate goal was chilling — to use Cat’s “resurrection” of Abigail to marry Chad and gain access to the DiMera fortune.

The scenes were laced with unbearable tension. Chad, still haunted by grief, struggled between disbelief and desperate hope. Billy Flynn’s raw performance captured the torment of a man caught between longing for his wife and fearing another betrayal.

A Violent Showdown Leaves Clyde in a Coma

The drama escalated to a fever pitch when Cat’s mother, Katherina, took matters into her own hands. In a desperate act of courage, she confronted Clyde and shot him, leaving the villain in a coma.

With Clyde incapacitated, Salem was left in limbo. Was his claim about Abigail’s survival true? Or was it just another cruel manipulation cut short by his injury? His silence left the town — and the audience — gasping for answers.

The Return of Jack and JJ

To intensify the mystery, familiar faces returned. Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) and JJ Deveraux (Casey Moss) came back to Salem, determined to uncover the truth about Abigail.

Jack, a seasoned journalist, began digging into the web of lies surrounding Clyde and Cat. His history as Abigail’s father made his scenes heartbreakingly poignant as he wrestled with cautious hope. Meanwhile, JJ brought youthful fire and determination, refusing to accept his sister’s fate without proof.

Together, Jack and JJ’s presence reignited the emotional heart of the storyline, reminding viewers that at the center of all the chaos was a grieving family yearning for reunion.

Is Abigail Really Alive?

This is the question burning in every fan’s mind. The signs are compelling: an empty coffin, cryptic footage, Clyde’s desperate insistence, and Cat’s haunting impersonation.

Some fan theories suggest Abigail may be alive but suffering from amnesia, a classic Days trope. Others believe she may have been hidden for her own protection, her death staged to shield her from enemies. Still others wonder if the woman on the flash drive is an impostor entirely — a pawn in Clyde’s schemes.

And then comes the casting mystery. Could Marci Miller reprise the role if Abigail returns? Would Kate Mansi, another fan-favorite, make a shocking comeback? Or is AnnaLynne McCord’s character truly Abigail, reimagined after trauma?

Clyde Weston: Villain, Victim, or Redeemed?

Clyde’s coma is a storyline wildcard. Fans know villains never stay down for long in Salem. Will Clyde awaken more dangerous than ever, determined to finish what he started? Or could his near-death experience spark a rare redemption arc?

James Read’s chilling performance has made Clyde one of Salem’s most unforgettable villains. His potential return promises explosive consequences, especially if he holds the key to Abigail’s fate.

The Emotional Heart of the Story

Beneath all the mystery and suspense lies the emotional anchor: Chad and Abigail’s enduring love story. Known affectionately by fans as “Chabby,” their relationship has weathered infidelity, mental health struggles, and countless tragedies.

Billy Flynn’s portrayal of Chad’s grief and fragile hope has been nothing short of Emmy-worthy. Whether Abigail returns or not, her absence has left a void in Salem that cannot be filled.

Jack and JJ’s return underscores the importance of family. Their hope, grief, and determination mirror what fans themselves are feeling: a desperate longing for closure — and perhaps a miracle.

What’s Next for Salem?

As the storyline barrels forward, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Abigail Deveraux DiMera rise from the ashes and reclaim her place in Salem? Will Clyde awaken and unleash more chaos, or will his secrets finally be exposed?

Days of Our Lives has a long history of shocking resurrections — from Stefano DiMera to Will Horton — reminding us that in Salem, death is never final. The pieces are in place for another unforgettable twist, one that could redefine the future of both the DiMera and Deveraux families.