‘Days of Our Lives’ Confirms Who The Remains in DiMera Crypt Belong
- - ‘Days of Our Lives’ Confirms Who The Remains in DiMera Crypt Belong
Johnathon KornbleeJanuary 23, 2026 at 8:02 PM
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After weeks of speculation, Days of Our Lives has revealed whose remains were found in the DiMera family crypt, and the truth hits closer to home for the DiMera family than anyone initially expected.
In the show’s weekly promo released on the official Days of Our Lives YouTube channel, Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) is seen questioning E.J. DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel). During the exchange, E.J. states, “You know who the bones belong to,” to which Rafe quickly responds, “The bones belong to your father,” confirming the remains are those of Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo).
Stefano’s on-screen absence has been as complicated as his life in Salem. Actor Joseph Moscolo died on December 8, 2016, and earlier that year Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso) believed she had killed Stefano after suspecting him of being responsible for her husband Bo Brady’s presumed death.
That storyline stretched over a year and appeared to reach its conclusion in February 2016, when Shane Donovan (Charles Shaughnessy) and Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) staged an appearance of Stefano in order to exonerate Hope. However, upon reviewing photographs, Shane and Steve realized one of the appearances was not staged, leading them, and viewers, to believe Stefano was still alive.
In 2019, Dr. Rolf later revealed that Stefano had indeed died, but not before transferring his consciousness, referred to as his “essence”, into a microchip that was implanted in Steve Johnson. The resulting transformation, dubbed ‘Stevano’ by fans, ultimately ended when the microchip was destroyed, seemingly wiping Stefano from existence once and for all.
That closure was called into question in December 2025, when E.J., Kristen (Stacey Haiduk), Chad (Billy Flynn), Theo (Tyler Joseph Andrews), and Tony (Thaao Penghlis) were kidnapped by Stefano’s adopted son Peter Blake (Dan Gauthier). While attempting to escape, the group discovered unidentified human remains hidden in the DiMera family crypt. Rafe has now confirmed those remains belong to Stefano.
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Fans had previously been tipped off during the show’s Season 61 preview, which briefly featured a memorial for Stefano being held by his family.
Who buried Stefano in the family crypt, and why was he not given a proper burial, remains a mystery, leaving fans to watch as the truth unfolds.
Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock.
Related: 'Days of Our Lives' Drops Explosive Extended Winter Preview
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
