Theo sets out to break into the building but sets off the burglar alarm alerting the police. Wearing a hood, Theo is shot by Lani's cop boyfriend JJ Deveraux while trying to get away. While Theo survives emergency surgery, he falls into a coma shortly after. After nearly a month, Theo wakes up on Christmas Day only to learn he is paralyzed. While Abe and Chad struggle to forgive Kate, Theo does. While neither Theo nor Kate are charged with a crime, Abe forces Kate to fire Theo from the company. Meanwhile, a recently returned Ciara (Victoria Konefal) professes her love for him but Theo rejects her. In January 2018, Theo reluctantly relocates to South Africa to participate in a clinical trial for rehabilitation. In the spring of 2018, Claire tries to get Theo to hack into Bella magazine's website to help Claire win the modeling contest but Theo refuses to help her cheat. After visiting with Theo, Claire returns to reveal that they have broken up after Theo learned that she rigged the contest anyway. In January 2019, Ciara visits Theo after her breakup with Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson). 2020–present Theo returns in 2020 along with JJ, to surprise Abe. Theo and JJ reveal that they are roommates and are now the best of friends. When Theo visits with Claire (Isabel Durant), and they reminisce over Ciara, they share a kiss. Claire wants to resume their relationship but Theo reveals he is seeing someone and Theo encourages Claire to pursue a potential romance with a new love interest. Theo shares a happy reunion with Lani and Eli who are expecting twins. Abe and Lani try to convince Theo to move closer to home and realize his reluctance is due to his new relationship. Theo says his goodbyes but promises to come back to visit. In 2021, Theo returns to meet his new niece and nephew, Jules and Carver, and to attend their christening. Lani and Eli have also chosen Theo as Jules's godfather. Meanwhile, Theo confides in Lani and Claire that he has split with his girlfriend and Claire assumes it is because Theo is still carrying a torch for Ciara. Casting The role was originated by uncredited child actors on May 29, 2003, until August 26, 2003. The role was then shared by 7 month old twins, Chase and Tyler Johnson. The Johnsons appeared from September 8,