Stephen Zawadzkie is a character in the Lady in the Lake novel and in the adapted television series, of the same name. In the TV series, they are portrayed by Dylan Arnold.
Biography[]
Stephen Zawadzkie is a patient in a mental institution. Maddie arrives to speak with him, believing he was involved with Tessie's murder, and initially he is eager to talk but disappointed when he realizes she wants an interview. He withholds information about Tessie’s murder but hints at his involvement in military experiments. Maddie's revelation about her past makes him feel a connection, but he remains guarded.
Later, Stephen sets a worker’s Santa suit on fire to create a distraction and escapes the institution. He confronts Maddie in her apartment, feeling betrayed, but ultimately forgives her and leaves peacefully. Stephen is eventually caught by the police at the lake where Reggie is disposing of Cleo’s body.
Maddie confronts Stephen again, suspecting him of being involved in Cleo Johnson’s murder. Stephen denies any connection and suggests that Maddie is the real link between the cases. He is finally cleared from Cleo's murder, however he isn't so innocent as it is revealed that he attempted to sexually assault Tessie Durst. His own mother was the one who killed her.
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