Salem is no stranger to secrets, but few mysteries have felt as unsettling as the one currently surrounding Stephanie Johnson. For weeks, an invisible threat

has hovered over her life—an eerie sense of being watched, followed, and psychologically cornered. At first glance, all signs appear to point toward one man:

Jeremy. Yet as the evidence piles up, so do the doubts. Is Jeremy truly the predator everyone believes him to be, or is he merely a convenient scapegoat in a far more dangerous game?

As Days of Our Lives heads into one of its most emotionally charged stretches, a chilling possibility is beginning to take shape—one that reaches deep into Stephanie’s traumatic past and resurrects one of the most terrifying villains Salem has ever known.

A Nightmare Reawakens: Owen Kent Returns

Longtime viewers felt an instant chill when rumors surfaced that Wes Ramsey may be returning as Owen Kent. For newer fans, Owen Kent may sound like just another troubled figure from Salem’s past. But for those who remember 2009, his name carries a very different weight.

Owen Kent was not simply a criminal—he was a man driven by obsession so extreme it bordered on madness. Initially hired to kidnap Stephanie Johnson, Owen’s mission quickly morphed into something far darker when he developed a twisted fixation on her. In one of the most disturbing storylines in the show’s history, Stephanie was imprisoned in a morgue drawer—an act that left scars no amount of time could erase.

Trauma like that does not fade quietly. And now, years later, the signs are unmistakable. Stephanie’s growing paranoia, the feeling of being stalked, the escalating danger—it all mirrors the psychological terror Owen once inflicted.

The timing of Owen’s rumored return feels deliberate. While Salem has been nudged into suspecting Jeremy, the writers appear to be setting a trap—one that lulls the town into focusing on the wrong man while the real monster moves silently in the background.

Jeremy: Villain or Pawn?

Jeremy’s behavior has certainly raised eyebrows. His lingering attachment to Stephanie, his bruised ego, and his inability to fully let go have made him an easy target for suspicion. But there’s a crucial distinction to be made.

Jeremy is impulsive. Emotional. Reactive.

Owen Kent is calculated.

The sophistication of the current threat—the planted evidence, the careful manipulation of perception—feels far beyond Jeremy’s psychological depth. Instead, it bears the signature of someone who has had years to plan, obsess, and wait.

If Owen Kent has returned, framing Jeremy would be a masterstroke. By redirecting suspicion, Owen eliminates a romantic rival, isolates Stephanie, and keeps law enforcement focused elsewhere—all while preparing his next move.

An Unlikely Confidant: Julie Williams Steps In

Adding another surprising layer to the storyline is Julie Williams’ involvement with Jeremy. According to recent developments, Jeremy finds himself confiding in one of Salem’s most respected matriarchs following a seemingly innocent book club gathering.

Julie has always been guided by instinct and empathy. She has seen generations of Salem residents falsely accused, misunderstood, and destroyed by assumptions. When Jeremy opens up about the accusations against him, his pain appears genuine—and Julie listens.

This dynamic creates a fascinating tension. Is Julie being manipulated by a man skilled at playing the victim? Or does she sense something others don’t—that Jeremy is being framed?

Julie’s willingness to stand by Jeremy is more than stubborn loyalty. It may be narrative foreshadowing, signaling that the truth lies somewhere far less obvious.

Jada Hunter vs. Julie Williams: A Clash of Truths

That tension reaches a boiling point when Jada Hunter arrives with what she believes is concrete proof of Jeremy’s guilt. The confrontation between Jada and Julie is set to become one of the week’s most gripping scenes.

Jada represents logic, protocol, and evidence. Julie represents history, intuition, and emotional intelligence. When Julie refuses to accept the evidence at face value, it’s not denial—it’s doubt.

Because in Salem, evidence has a habit of being manufactured.

If Owen Kent is indeed behind the scenes, planting digital trails or physical clues would be well within his capabilities. Julie’s refusal to back down may place her directly in Owen’s crosshairs—but it could also make her the key to unraveling the truth.

The Legal Storm Ahead

As January draws to a close, Jeremy realizes that innocence alone won’t save him. Arrest looms. Statesville threatens. A legal battle is imminent.

Yet Jeremy’s demeanor raises questions. Rather than smug confidence, he displays desperation. Fear. Confusion. He acts less like a man cornered by his own crimes and more like someone trapped in a nightmare he doesn’t understand.

The courtroom drama promises intensity, but the true danger may lie outside the justice system—where Owen watches, waits, and plans.

Stephanie and Alex: A Targeted Future

While attention remains fixed on Jeremy, the greatest risk may belong to Stephanie—and Alex Kiriakis.

Owen Kent’s past makes one thing painfully clear: he doesn’t just want Stephanie. He wants to possess her. Control her. Isolate her.

Framing Jeremy is only the opening act. If Owen is back, escalation is inevitable. Accidents. Disappearances. Abductions.

Stephanie has already survived unimaginable horror. The idea that her past trauma could return in human form is deeply unsettling—and devastating.

Quiet Turning Points in Salem

Adding emotional depth to the chaos, the January 22 episode focused on quieter, character-driven moments. Steve Johnson hands Jada a subtle clue that may shift the investigation entirely. JJ and Theo navigate reconciliation and accountability. Gabi, Philip, and unresolved feelings linger beneath polite conversation.

Julie, meanwhile, faces her own heartbreak as Jeremy confirms plans to leave Salem—possibly for good. His decision feels less like escape and more like resignation, a man choosing distance over destruction.

What Comes Next?

As Days of Our Lives barrels toward the week of January 26, one truth becomes clear: the past is never buried in Salem. It waits. It watches. And sometimes, it comes back with vengeance.

Is Jeremy innocent? Is Owen Kent the true mastermind? And can Stephanie survive the return of the man who once shattered her life?

One thing is certain—the storm is only beginning.