Stefano could have been wearing some sort of bullet proof vest and planned his fake death...blood capsules, etc. etc. The fact is, there was a body laying on the floor, Rafe came in immediately after, so body switching would have been difficult, and no pulse, Rafe checked. So, the body taken to that warehouse, wrapped in the rug. Only other thing would be, Stefano's hired thug followed them with convenient replacement body, rescued Stefano, put the ring on the other body, and voom, Stefano is off to his previously unknown villa, listening to opera, etc.
He left the family troubles and problems behind (since Sami stole all the liquid assets).
Oh, well, am sure the writers have dreamed up something just as bizarre to get Hope her get out of jail free card. I would agree with DBF tho that whether Stefano is really dead or not, she would be guilty of attempted murder.....but they have been throwing around that "temporary insanity" thing.....so who knows?
He left the family troubles and problems behind (since Sami stole all the liquid assets).
Oh, well, am sure the writers have dreamed up something just as bizarre to get Hope her get out of jail free card. I would agree with DBF tho that whether Stefano is really dead or not, she would be guilty of attempted murder.....but they have been throwing around that "temporary insanity" thing.....so who knows?