SUSPICIOUS TIMING OR SMOKING GUN? AVA VITALI’S EXIT COINCIDES WITH EJ’S SHOOTING

Did Ava Vitali finally get her revenge on EJ DiMera? In a twist that has Salem buzzing, Ava’s sudden departure from town happens on the exact same day that EJ takes a bullet to the chest! This suspicious timing has everyone—from Salem PD to fans at home—raising their eyebrows.

THE DAY THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

Chad DiMera is about to have the shock of his life when he discovers his brother EJ bleeding out on the DiMera living room floor. The shooting comes seemingly out of nowhere, but the timing? That’s the real kicker here.

Ava Vitali—who has a mile-long history of conflict with EJ—just happens to be leaving Salem on this very same day. Coincidence? In Salem? I think not!

Tamara Braun, who has brilliantly portrayed Ava since her return, wrapped filming back in July 2024, meaning this exit has been planned for some time. But the way Ava leaves town? That’s where things get juicy.

A HISTORY OF BAD BLOOD

Let’s not forget that Ava and EJ have enough bad blood between them to fill Salem Harbor. Remember when Ava kidnapped EJ’s mother, Susan Banks? That little adventure ended with a fiery car crash that everyone thought killed both women.

Or how about more recently, when EJ turned a blind eye while Ava was being held captive? These two have never been on each other’s Christmas card lists, that’s for sure.

EJ has made countless enemies during his time in Salem—the man collects adversaries like some people collect stamps—but Ava has always been near the top of that list. Now, with her suspiciously timed exit, she’s looking guiltier than ever.

THE SMOKING GUN?

Sources reveal that Ava might be seen disposing of a weapon before leaving town. Talk about looking guilty! Whether she’s tossing Melinda Trask’s gun or some other firearm, this action alone puts her at the top of the suspect list.

JJ Deveraux—newly returned to his detective roots—will apparently be leading the investigation, starting with questioning Kristen DiMera. But even Kristen points out the obvious: half of Salem has wanted EJ dead at one point or another!

A LINEUP OF SUSPECTS

While Ava’s timing makes her look guilty as sin, let’s not forget there are plenty of other Salemites who might have pulled that trigger:

Roman Brady was spotted with a gun recently. Could he have taken down EJ to protect Kate’s children?

Johnny DiMera threatened his father with a gun but supposedly couldn’t pull the trigger. Did he change his mind later?

Kristen DiMera may have turned on her brother to protect her daughter Rachel.

Gabi Hernandez has been at odds with EJ ever since their brief affair—and we know she’s not above a little revenge.

Even Belle Black was furious with EJ after he discovered she was wearing a wire!

THE ACCIDENT THEORY

Some wild speculation suggests that Rachel may have accidentally shot EJ after finding a gun that Johnny left behind. If this turns out to be true, could Ava’s exit be completely unrelated? Or is someone using the shooting as a convenient way to frame Ava and get her out of Salem for good?

Kristen would certainly do anything to protect her daughter—including taking the blame or pinning it on Ava.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR SALEM?

With EJ fighting for his life and Ava vanishing from town, Salem is about to erupt with accusations and investigations. Chad will be devastated finding his brother bleeding out, and Kayla Brady will deliver the grim news that EJ’s condition is “touch-and-go.”

Meanwhile, Sami Brady is reportedly headed back to Salem—and you know she’ll be on the warpath to find out who shot her ex!

Whether Ava pulled the trigger or is being set up as the perfect scapegoat, one thing’s for certain: this shooting will have ripple effects throughout Salem for months to come. And with Tamara Braun officially exiting the role, we may not get Ava’s side of the story anytime soon.

What do you think? Did Ava finally snap and shoot EJ before skipping town? Or is someone else behind this attempted murder, using Ava’s departure as convenient cover? Drop your theories in the comments!