2 arrested in murder of ‘SNL’ writer’s missing sister weeks after Joshua Tree search

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) - Two men, one of whom is believed to be the boyfriend of the sister of a former "Saturday Night Live'' writer, were in custody today in connection with the killing of the 38-year-old woman.

Christina Downer, sister of Jimmy Fowlie, was reported missing Dec. 18, 2025, after her ex-husband requested a welfare check after not hearing from her for an extended period of time, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police said Downer's boyfriend, 41-year-old Delorean Bijon Brandon, claimed she had moved out of their home several months earlier, leaving behind all her belongings, including her vehicle and dog.  

Detectives assigned to the Robbery-Homicide Division assumed the investigation after Downer's cellphone was later discovered washed ashore on Santa Monica Beach, police said. Investigators ultimately identified Brandon and 34-year-old Kaylee Markowski as individuals responsible for her murder and disposal of her body, concealing their involvement in her death, according to the LAPD.  

Detectives located Brandon and Markowski in Los Angeles County of Thursday and took both into custody.   

Brandon was arrested in the 6000 block of Garvanza Avenue in Highland Park, while Markowski was apprehended in the 6000 block of Tampa Avenue in Tarzana.

Both suspects were booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center on suspicion of murder, each with bail set at $2 million.   

Earlier this month, investigators searched a property in Joshua Tree in connection with Downer's disappearance. Officials told NBC4 that detectives were led to an Airbnb property during their search.

On April 29, Fowlie wrote in a post on Instagram that LAPD officials informed the family that Downer was "no longer alive'' and that the case transitioned from a missing person to a homicide investigation.

"I am sharing this because I believe that whoever is responsible is hoping to erase her in every way possible. I want to amplify her story in the only way I know how. And to express that she was a beautiful person who matters in this world, especially to me,'' Fowlie said.

Anyone with information about the murder was urged to contact the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division West Bureau Section at 213-382-9470. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to 877-527 3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit
lacrimestoppers.org.