The heartbreaking saga revolving around Alden Parker’s (played by Gary Cole) mother, Eleanor (portrayed by Mackenzie Firgens), reaches its long-awaited resolution. After Alden decides to exhume Eleanor’s body due to inconsistencies in her autopsy report, he is stunned to discover that DNA results from the corpse—collected by Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover)—do not match his mother.

With the list of potential witnesses dwindling, the team tracks down Lester Burm (played by Bruce Davison and, in flashbacks, Vince Hill-Bedford), a state trooper who signed off on the accident report. Conveniently located nearby, Lester’s interview sheds light on the events that transpired and helps unravel the mystery of who exactly lies in Eleanor’s grave.

The investigation reveals that Lester was married to Judy (Erica Ibsen), a friend of Eleanor’s, and was abusive towards her. When Eleanor intervenes to help Judy find a safe environment to raise her daughter, Lily (Kensie Mills)—known to Alden from haunting childhood memories—the situation spirals. As Eleanor and Judy attempt to escape, Judy tragically dies in a car crash orchestrated by Lester, who then stages a cover-up by burying Judy in Eleanor’s grave. Lester deceitfully claims Judy abandoned her child and fled.

Meanwhile, Eleanor survives the crash, concealing Lily in a motel as she plans to send her to a distant cousin for safety. Unfortunately, Lester tracks Eleanor down, murdering her and submerging both her body and vehicle in a pond near Toledo. Yet, in this season of unexpected revelations, another twist awaits Alden.

An even more important part of Alden’s youth resurfaces in the form of Nelly Johnson (Barbara Niven), a grandmother who turns out to be Lily, living under an assumed name. Alden immediately knows who Nelly/Lily is upon seeing her — in spite of the fact that he previously claimed he didn’t recognize or remember her. Lily explains that she and Alden used to play together while Eleanor gave Judy piano lessons. Lily told Alden her father was hitting her mother, and Judy separately confessed to Eleanor, resulting in Eleanor and Judy deciding to collectively hide at the home of Alden’s mom’s second cousin. Then the accident happens.

Lester is the one who lies that Eleanor was a drunk driver, and who poses Lily at the scene of the accident. After Lester kills Eleanor, Lily is found by the cousin, who raises her. Alden also learns that his father, Roman (Francis X. McCarthy), figured out that Lily/Nelly was alive, but couldn’t tell Alden before he himself died in the Season 22 finale. Alden ultimately gets his closure, putting Lester behind bars, finding his mother’s remains, and making sure Eleanor and Judy are buried in their proper places. The truth about Eleanor Parker’s death is finally out for once and for all — and a weight is lifted off Alden’s shoulders for good.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.