Homicide Detectives Search California Desert for Missing SNL Writer's Sister

Homicide detectives have begun a thorough search of a California desert area, including an Airbnb property in Joshua Tree, as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Christina Fowlie Downer. Downer, 38, is the sister of Saturday Night Live writer Jimmy Fowlie and was last heard from in November 2025.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that K-9 units and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department assisted in the extensive search on Friday. The LAPD has not disclosed whether any evidence was found or if they are searching for remains, stating only that the investigation is active.

Downer was reported missing in December 2025. Her last known communication was a social media post on December 14, 2025, where she appeared in her Los Angeles apartment and wrote, "Living at peace. If you wanna send me a Christmas treat, I'll be waiting. Happy holidays, everyone." She also included links to her Cash App and Venmo accounts.

Friends and family expressed concern that the post seemed uncharacteristic, as they had not heard from her for weeks prior. Her brother, Jimmy Fowlie, has publicly stated his belief that his sister is deceased, writing in April, "Our prayers for her to be found safely have transformed into prayer for the truth to be revealed and for those responsible to be held accountable." However, police are still treating the case as a missing person investigation.

Investigations revealed that Downer had led a life that included work as an adult actress and exotic dancer. Those who knew her indicated that she had been struggling with mental health issues in recent years and had a difficult relationship with an R&B singer. In September 2025, she filed a temporary restraining order against the singer's ex-girlfriend, whom she accused of stalking and harassment.

Downer's ex-husband, Ryan Downer, initiated a wellness check in December 2025 after being unable to contact her for several weeks. He noted that her disappearance was out of character and that her apartment appeared undisturbed when authorities first checked. The couple had separated amicably in November 2023.

The R&B singer, Delorean Bijon Brandon, has stated he is concerned for her safety and denied any involvement in her disappearance, suggesting that the pressures of pursuing a career in entertainment may have led her to use drugs to cope.