The Residence Ending Explained: Who Killed A.B. Wynter & how did Cordelia Cupp Solve the Mystery?

Netflix’s The Residence, a gripping White House murder mystery by Shonda Rhimes, delivered a shocking finale that revealed the unexpected killer behind Chief Usher A.B. Wynter’s death. 

The series follows Detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) as she investigates the chaotic aftermath of a state dinner gone wrong, navigating 157 guests and staff to uncover the truth. In a classic whodunit fashion, the season ends with a jaw-dropping revelation. Let’s break down the murder mystery and see who killed Wynter.

How did Detective Cordelia Cupp Solve the Mystery?

White House social secretary Lilly Schumacher initially attempted to frame engineer Bruce Geller and housekeeper Elsyie Chayle for the crime. However, Cordelia’s sharp instincts caught Lilly in a lie when she noticed her nervous “blink”—a telltale sign of deception. 

The breakthrough moment came when Cordelia discovered the murder weapon, a clock, hidden behind a sealed secret passage. The investigation revealed that Wynter had been poisoned, hit with a vase, and ultimately killed by a fatal blow to the head.

Lilly carefully planned to conceal her crime, but small details gave her away. As Kerri Kenney-Silver, who plays Lilly, explained, “We played into how ridiculous she is… You don’t think she’s capable of something so calculated.” (via Tudum)

However, as the finale unraveled, it became clear that she was. Uzo Aduba likened the twist to The Usual Suspects, saying, “You mentally flip through everything and realize, ‘Right, that totally makes sense.’ All the pieces come together.”

Why did Lilly Kill A.B. Wynter?

Lilly’s motive was deeply personal—she despised Wynter’s dedication to White House traditions, viewing him as an obstacle. His journal contained meticulous records of her financial crimes, including money laundering and securing shady contracts. When Wynter threatened to expose her, she killed him in a fit of rage, stealing a page from his journal to stage the crime as a suicide.

Even Giancarlo Esposito, who plays Wynter, admitted that his character never suspected Lilly’s betrayal. “He’s cordial and appropriate,” he explained. Exhausted after a long day, Wynter accepted a poisoned drink from Lilly without hesitation. “If he were still alive, he’d be in shock.” (via Tudum)

Why Wynter’s body was Moved Multiple Times

Lilly’s crime nearly went unnoticed due to a series of accidental cover-ups by White House staff:

• Elsyie Chayle removed the candlestick, fearing it would incriminate her.
• Bruce Geller moved Wynter’s body to Room 301, thinking he was protecting Elsyie.
• Tripp Morgan later found the body and staged it as a suicide.
• Chef Didier Gotthard disposed of a knife linked to the crime.

Jason Lee, who plays Tripp, found the situation almost comedic. Lee tells Tudum, “It’s absolutely hilarious that he finds the first guy he sees and he unravels all of this stuff. I think it’s to clear his name a little bit. He's trying to relate his story to the guy. I love that he just keeps going, even though George doesn’t say anything the entire time.”

Foreshadowing the Killer’s Identity

Series creator Paul William Davies planted subtle hints about Lilly’s guilt throughout the season:

• The Dresses – Lilly’s bright pink dress at the State Dinner made her stand out, subtly indicating her significance. In the finale, she wears a softer pink, attempting to appear innocent.
• The Money – Her financial crimes were referenced in episode three during a holiday argument with Wynter.
• The Passageway – Viewers had seen the now-sealed passage used multiple times, unaware it would play a crucial role in the murder.

“I really wanted to be as fair to the audience as possible, so that when these reveals came you’re like, ‘Oh yeah, he wasn’t hiding anything,’ Davies explains to Tudum. “I know it can be frustrating when you feel like there’s information that you didn’t have in a murder mystery.” 

What’s next for Cordelia Cupp?

With Lilly arrested and the case closed, Cordelia leaves the White House—but her story may not be over. If The Residence returns for a second season, the mystery could shift beyond the White House to another iconic location, such as Buckingham Palace.

Randall Park, who plays FBI agent Edwin Park, hinted at the evolving dynamic between Cordelia and Edwin. It’s the first time he “sees things like a falcon,” he said. (via Tudum)

Aduba added, “Cordelia was an island before, and happy to move through life as such. Then she meets Edwin, and she realizes there is a worthy friend to be found in this world. Now they’re flying together.” However, Davies made it clear: “She’s still the alpha” of their friendship. “It's not like she’s going to start walking behind Edwin,” he added.

With The Residence delivering a thrilling blend of political intrigue and classic detective storytelling, fans are already speculating where Cordelia’s next case might take her.

The Residence is now streaming on Netflix.