Wait. Let’s back up for a second because if you’re searching for who killed Lester in Only Murders in the Building, you might be experiencing a bit of a Mandela Effect or perhaps you're getting your seasons tangled. It’s easy to do. Between the poisonings, the elevator plunges, and the literal snipers, the Arconia has a body count that would make a mid-sized city blush. But here’s the cold, hard reality: Lester, the soft-spoken, theater-loving doorman played by the brilliant Teddy Coluca, isn’t dead.
He’s still there. Still opening doors. Still mourning his lost acting career.
It’s actually kinda fascinating why so many people think Lester bit the dust. Maybe it’s because he’s so vulnerable? Or maybe it’s because Season 4 of Only Murders in the Building took such a dark, personal turn with the death of Sazz Pataki that fans started looking over their shoulders for the next beloved recurring character to drop. But as of the latest episodes, Lester is very much alive and well, though he’s certainly seen some things that would put anyone in therapy for a decade.
The Arconia’s Resident Doorman and the Chaos He Survived
Lester is the glue of the Arconia. He’s been there forever. Honestly, he probably knows where all the bodies are buried—literally. While the main trio (Charles, Oliver, and Mabel) are busy chasing leads and recording clips for the podcast, Lester is the one dealing with the actual fallout of living in a murder magnet.
Think about what this man has endured. He was there when Tim Kono’s blood was being scrubbed off the floor in Season 1. He had to deal with the lockdown when Bunny Folger was stabbed with a knitting needle. He stood by as Ben Glenroy fell through the ceiling of the elevator. And most recently, he’s been the one greeting guests while a literal sniper was picking people off from the West Tower. If anyone has a right to be the next victim, it’s him, just based on the law of averages. But he’s a survivor.
There was a moment in Season 2 that really stuck with people, and it might be why the "who killed Lester" rumors started. Remember the blackout? Lester was struggling. He was exhausted, trying to climb dozens of flights of stairs to deliver packages to ungrateful tenants. He had that heart-to-heart with Mabel about his past as a Broadway actor. It was a rare, quiet moment of character depth that usually signals a character is about to be "written off" in a mystery show. Usually, when a background character gets a backstory, they’re about to become a corpse. But the writers subverted it. They let him live.
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Why Fans Keep Searching for Lester’s Killer
The confusion regarding who killed Lester in Only Murders in the Building likely stems from a few specific plot points that involved other Arconia staff or similar-looking characters.
- The Death of Bunny Folger: Bunny was the Board President, and while she wasn't a doorman, she was part of the "old guard" of the building. Her death felt like an attack on the building's soul, much like a potential Lester death would.
- The Sazz Pataki Factor: In Season 4, the stakes shifted. The killer wasn't just targeting annoying neighbors; they were targeting the trio’s inner circle. When Sazz was incinerated in the building's incinerator, the "safe" characters didn't feel safe anymore.
- The Westies: The introduction of the West Tower residents added a layer of paranoia. People started questioning everyone. Is the doorman involved? Is the doorman a target?
Let’s be real: Lester is a witness. In any good noir, the witness is the first to go. But Only Murders isn't a standard noir; it’s a comedy-drama that loves its supporting cast. Keeping Lester alive is actually more effective for the show's tone because he represents the "normal" people who have to live through the trio's chaotic investigations.
Could Lester Be the Killer Instead?
Now, if we flip the script—because that’s what this show does best—is it possible that Lester isn't the victim, but the mastermind? It's a popular theory on Reddit and among the hardcore "Arconiacs."
Think about the access. He has keys to every apartment. He knows everyone's schedule. He sees who comes and goes. He’s been overlooked for years, a frustrated actor relegated to opening doors for people less talented than him. That is a classic villain origin story. If the show ever wants to go for the ultimate gut-punch, making the most helpful person in the building the one pulling the strings would do it.
However, there is zero factual evidence in the show so far to support this. Lester has been consistently portrayed as a man who just wants to do his job and maybe get a little recognition for his past work in Godspell.
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The Real Victims of the Arconia
To clear up any lingering confusion about who killed Lester in Only Murders in the Building, let's look at the actual list of the deceased. These are the people who actually ended up on the podcast's "to-do" list:
- Tim Kono: Killed by Jan Bellows (poisoned and then shot to look like a suicide).
- Bunny Folger: Killed by Poppy White (Becky Butler) in a convoluted play for podcast fame.
- Ben Glenroy: Pushed down an elevator shaft by Cliff DeMeo after surviving an initial poisoning attempt by Donna DeMeo.
- Sazz Pataki: Shot by Marshall P. Pope (Rex Cherry), a writer who stole her script and killed her to cover his tracks.
Notice a pattern? Lester isn't on it. He’s the one who has to clean up the mess, or at least coordinate the crew that does.
What’s Next for Lester in Season 5?
With Season 5 officially on the horizon, the safety of every character is back on the table. The show has moved into a meta-commentary on fame and the ethics of true crime. Lester, as the ultimate observer, is in a prime position to either become a major witness or, unfortunately, a high-stakes victim to raise the tension.
But for now? Stop worrying.
Lester is still standing at the front desk. He’s still wearing that uniform with pride. If you’re looking for a killer, you need to look toward the penthouse or the shadows of the West Tower, not at the man holding the door open for you. The Arconia is a dangerous place, sure, but Lester seems to have a guardian angel—or maybe he’s just too good at his job to get caught in the crossfire.
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The beauty of the show is how it makes us care about the "little people." Lester represents the working class of the Upper West Side, the people who make the luxury possible but are never invited to the party. Whether he stays a background player or moves to the center of a future mystery, he remains one of the most grounded parts of a show that often goes off the rails.
How to Stay Updated on Arconia Crimes
If you want to make sure you haven't missed a sudden plot twist or a "shocking" death that happened in a spin-off or a deleted scene, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the official casting news for Season 5. Teddy Coluca is a staple. Unless you see a headline about him leaving the show, you can bet Lester will be there to greet the trio in the next premiere.
Actually, the best way to track who is and isn't a victim is to follow the "blood map" theories that pop up after every finale. These fans dissect every frame. If Lester so much as sneezes near a suspicious character, they’ll have a 20-minute video about it. But as it stands, his record is clean, and his pulse is steady.
Stay curious, keep your doors locked, and maybe tip your doorman. They see more than you think.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Season: If you're seeing "Lester" mentioned in a death context, double-check that you aren't confusing him with a guest character from the "Death Rattle" play in Season 3 or a minor character from the West Tower in Season 4.
- Re-watch Season 2, Episode 8: This is the "Hello, Darkness" episode. It’s the best "Lester" episode and will give you all the context you need on why he’s a fan favorite.
- Check the Official Hulu Credits: If you ever suspect a character has been killed off-screen, the credits for the most recent episode will confirm if the actor is still part of the recurring cast.