Two People Arrested in the Murder of Christina Downer, Sister of ‘SNL’ Writer Jimmy Fowlie — Her Cellphone Was Found Washed Ashore

Nearly a year after the 38-year-old woman disappeared, police have arrested her boyfriend and another woman on suspicion of murder. Investigators allege the suspects disposed of her body and attempted to conceal what happened.

A disappearance that left a family desperately searching for answers has taken a disturbing turn in Los Angeles. Christina Lynn Downer, the 38-year-old sister of Saturday Night Live writer Jimmy Fowlie, was reported missing in December 2025. Now, nearly a year later, two people have been arrested in connection with her suspected murder. The arrests have brought renewed attention to a case that has raised troubling questions about what happened during the months Christina was missing.

The Los Angeles Police Department identified the suspects as Delorean Bijon Brandon, 41, and Kaylee Nicole Markowski, 34. Brandon was Christina’s boyfriend, according to reports. Both were arrested on October 29, 2026, and booked on suspicion of murder. Their bail was set at $2 million each. Police allege that the two were responsible not only for Christina’s death but also for disposing of her body and concealing their involvement. At this stage, these remain allegations, and the suspects have not been convicted.

Christina was reported missing on December 18, 2025, after her ex-husband requested a welfare check because he had not heard from her for an extended period. When officers followed up, Brandon reportedly told them that Christina had moved out several months earlier. According to police, he claimed she had left behind her belongings, including her vehicle and dog. The explanation raised serious questions, particularly as her family continued trying to establish where she had gone.

The investigation took a significant turn when Christina’s cellphone was discovered washed ashore at Santa Monica Beach. Detectives from the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division subsequently took over the case and pursued new leads. Investigators also searched an Airbnb property in the Joshua Tree area earlier in October 2026, with assistance from K-9 units and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities have not publicly disclosed what, if anything, was recovered during that search.

Throughout the ordeal, Christina’s brother, Jimmy Fowlie, made repeated public appeals for information. In December 2025, he shared a missing-person notice and explained that the family was deeply worried about his sister. He also raised concerns that someone might have been using her phone and social media accounts to make it appear that she had voluntarily disappeared. In April 2026, Fowlie shared a heartbreaking statement saying that his family had been informed Christina was no longer alive. He described how their hopes of finding her safely had turned into prayers for the truth and accountability.

The arrests have brought a major development to the investigation, but many questions remain unanswered. Police have not publicly detailed the evidence that led them to identify Brandon and Markowski, nor have they disclosed where Christina’s body might be. Detectives are continuing to investigate and are expected to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of formal charges.

For Christina’s family, the search for answers has lasted far too long. What began as a missing-person investigation has now become a suspected murder case involving two people who were reportedly connected to her life. As investigators work to establish exactly what happened, her loved ones are still waiting for the full truth about her final days and for answers about where she is.

Source: PEOPLE