Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 9 ending explained: Who stole the finger?

**Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 9 Recap: “LESTR”**

*Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers from Only Murders in the Building season 5 episode 9. Reader’s discretion is advised.*

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**Episode Overview**

Only Murders in the Building season 5 episode 9, titled *“LESTR,”* premiered on October 21, 2025, on Hulu. The episode continues to build suspense as podcasters Mabel, Charles, and Oliver dig deeper into the mysterious deaths of Lester and Nicky. With the Arconia building facing closure, the characters encounter both emotional and physical challenges while uncovering shocking secrets.

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**Nicky’s Grandmother Steals Charles’s Finger**

One of the most startling revelations in this episode is that Nicky’s grandmother (Nonna) stole Charles’s finger. This unexpected twist raises new suspicions and motives, forcing the trio to reconsider their entire investigation. The episode ends with a focus on this mysterious act and one last crucial clue that could change everything.

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**Who Was Behind the Finger Theft?**

It is confirmed—Nicky’s grandmother, the Nonna, is behind the finger theft. This bombshell revelation shakes the foundation of what the gang thought they knew about the suspects. While her motives remain unclear, it’s evident that this was no random act. What could be driving her to such extremes? The episode leaves this question tantalizingly unanswered.

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**Why Is Randall on the Run?**

The tension ramps up when Mabel, Charles, and Oliver find Randall, the Arconia’s doorman, on the bird cam footage from the night of Lester’s murder. Randall initially denies involvement, but it quickly becomes clear he’s lying. This culminates in a rare and comical chase through the building as Randall tries to escape the trio’s questions. Despite their efforts, Randall manages to evade capture, setting back the investigation.

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**Mabel and Detective Williams Discover a Secret Passage**

In a surprising turn, Mabel teams up with Detective Williams, sharing a drink in the underground casino. During their conversation, they spot a strange footprint on the pristine carpet, which leads them to discover a secret passageway in the building’s walls.

This secret entrance breathes new life into the investigation. Nearby, Nicky’s body was found at a dry cleaner’s store, tying into the clandestine area. This discovery also reveals an unknown side to the Arconia and proves Randall never actually left the building, debunking his claim of being in Cuba based on his social media posts.

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**What Did Robo-Lester’s Recording Reveal?**

Robo-Lester, the robotic doorman, provides a crucial breakthrough. Using Lester’s final recordings, Robo-Lester reveals that Lester himself attacked Nicky—but this was an act of protection. Lester believed Nicky was a threat to the Arconia and its residents, prompting his shocking behavior.

Following Lester’s death, Randall likely hid the bloody elevator crank as a tribute to his mentor—trying to protect Lester’s reputation.

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**If Lester Killed Nicky, Who Killed Lester?**

This revelation complicates the case: if Lester was responsible for Nicky’s death, then who actually killed Lester? The mystery deepens, setting the stage for the series finale.

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**Charles and Oliver Say Goodbye to the Arconia**

Amid the ongoing investigation, the penultimate episode deeply explores the emotional struggles of Charles and Oliver as they prepare to leave the Arconia for good. The building’s closure forces them to confront their feelings about losing their home and each other.

Charles finds it especially hard to leave, given his strong attachment to the place and their friendship. Oliver, meanwhile, feels hurt and abandoned, believing Charles no longer values their bond. After an honest conversation, they realize that their uneasy feelings stem from their difficulty in parting ways.

In a symbolic gesture, Charles convinces Oliver to keep a doorknob from the Arconia as a memento of their time together and the building they cherished.

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**What Does the Finger Theft Reveal About Nonna?**

As the episode nears its conclusion, a new lead surfaces. Howard from the Arconia notices a scuff mark near Mabel’s fridge, previously assumed to be made by Robo-Lester. However, Howard identifies the scuff as matching a specific mobility scooter—one he remembers his mother once used.

This subtle clue adds another layer to the mystery surrounding Nonna and her involvement in Charles’s missing finger, hinting at deeper motives yet to be uncovered.

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**Where to Watch**

Only Murders in the Building season 5 episode 9, *“LESTR,”* is available to stream now on Hulu.

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Stay tuned as the thrilling season finale promises to answer lingering questions and reveal the true culprits behind the Arconia’s dark secrets.
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