in october 2012, phil's enemy derek branning (jamie foreman) mentions that dennis was murdered, not knowing that sharon's six-year-old son dennis rickman jr (harry hickles/bleu landau) overheard him. dennis is upset after learning the truth of his father's death, as he was told by sharon that his father was a helicopter pilot and died while saving others. sharon admits to dennis jr that she lied to protect him, and although he is angry, he eventually forgives her. in january 2014, phil finally confessed to sharon that he played a part in dennis's death - having goaded him into attacking the man who went on to order his death; as phil's conflict with johnny ultimately led to dennis being murdered. sharon is furious, but then goes to visit dennis' grave for the last time. she then reveals that she needs to leave dennis in her past, as phil is now her future.