Two Arrested in Nearly Year-Long Mystery of Missing SNL Writer's Sister

Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of murder nearly a year after the disappearance of Christina Downer, the sister of Saturday Night Live writer Jimmy Fowlie. Delorean Bijon Brandon, 41, Downer's boyfriend, and Kaylee Nicole Markowski, 34, were taken into custody on Thursday, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Friday.

Police stated that Brandon and Markowski are also suspected of disposing of Downer's body and concealing their involvement in her death. Both suspects are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles on $2 million bail each.

Downer was reported missing on December 15, 2025, after her ex-husband requested a welfare check, having not heard from her for weeks. Brandon initially claimed Downer had moved out months prior, but her belongings, including her car and dog, were left behind. Investigators later found her cellphone washed ashore on Santa Monica Beach.

Earlier this month, police searched an Airbnb property in Joshua Tree as part of the ongoing investigation into Downer's disappearance. The search involved K-9 units and was assisted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. NBC Los Angeles previously reported on the search efforts in the California desert.

Downer went missing shortly after posting on social media on December 14, 2025, from her Los Angeles apartment. In the post, she shared a photo of herself and a message that read, "Living at peace. If you wanna send me a Christmas treat, I'll be waiting. Happy holidays, everyone." Her Cash App and Venmo details were included in her Instagram bio. Friends and family noted that this message seemed unusual, as they had not heard from her for weeks prior to the post.

Christina Downer was known to have had a tumultuous relationship with Brandon. In September 2024, she filed a temporary restraining order against Brandon's ex-girlfriend, alleging years of harassment. Downer also led a double life as an adult actress and exotic dancer, and acquaintances indicated she had been struggling with her mental health in recent years.

Her ex-husband, Ryan Downer, stated that their separation in November 2023 was amicable. He initiated the welfare check after his ex-wife failed to respond to him for an extended period. He expressed that her disappearance without informing anyone was out of character and that the family sought answers.

Police have not confirmed if any evidence was recovered from the Joshua Tree search, and the investigation remains active.