The July 17, 2025 episode of Days of Our Lives brought high-stakes drama as Leo Stark landed on Johnny DiMera’s jury while Ari Horton and Holly Jonas remained trapped by a dangerous kidnapper. The episode also revealed Gabi Hernandez’s growing panic over her missing daughter and Sophia Choi’s desperate lies to her mother.
Leo Stark Becomes a Juror in Johnny’s Trial
Jury selection for Johnny DiMera’s trial began, with surprising twists. Leo Stark arrived at the courthouse with baby Tesoro, hoping to avoid jury duty. However, District Attorney Belle Black pointed out he had other adults at home to care for the baby. Leo claimed he was open-minded, leading to his selection as a juror.
Earlier, Amy Choi was dismissed from the jury after angrily blaming EJ DiMera and Johnny for her daughter Sophia’s troubles. She told EJ, “No, Mr. DiMera, I cannot. Because you are a miserable human being. And I’d like to tear you limb from limb for all the trouble you’ve caused my daughter.”
EJ struggled with memory loss about his shooting, while Belle suggested a way to help him recall the event—potentially key to Johnny’s defense.
Ari and Holly Held Hostage by Doug’s Loan Shark
Ari and Holly remained locked in a storage room, fearing for their lives. They found bottled water and granola bars but worried the water might be poisoned. Holly questioned if their families even realized they were missing.
Meanwhile, Gabi grew frantic when she learned Ari never checked into the lake hotel. Rafe tried calming her, but Gabi’s fear escalated. Tate Black confronted Doug Williams III, accusing him of stalking Holly after seeing photos of the girls on his phone.
Under pressure, Doug admitted the two were kidnapped by his loan shark, Richie. Tate offered his savings to help, demanding Doug leave Salem afterward.
Sophia’s Lies Unravel as Amy Tries to Intervene
Sophia told her mother, Amy, she was in Chicago arranging another adoption for her baby. Amy, horrified, threatened to skip jury duty and rush to her. Sophia snapped, “You already ruined one adoption for me. I’m not going to let you ruin another.”
Amy later confided in Leo at the courthouse, unaware Tesoro was her grandson. Meanwhile, Tate promised to discuss Sophia’s situation after handling Holly’s crisis.
EJ and Belle’s Tense Courtroom Dynamic
EJ and Belle kept their relationship professional during jury selection, though EJ insisted his feelings were genuine. He told her, “For the record, I didn’t seduce you so you’d drop the charges against Johnny. I made love to you because I wanted to.”
Belle agreed to discuss their personal issues privately, focusing on the trial. The episode ended with tension rising as Johnny’s fate hung in the balance and Ari and Holly’s lives remained at risk.
Credits: Sources include SoapCentral, and IMDb.
