L.A. Man Charged in Murder of Missing SNL Writer's Sister

Delorean Bijon Brandon, 41, was charged Monday with the murder of Christina Downer, a 38-year-old woman whose body has not been located. Brandon, who lives in Los Angeles, was booked by detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Division last Thursday. His girlfriend, Kaylee Markowski, 34, was also arrested and charged with one felony count of being an accessory after the fact.

The criminal complaint alleges the crime occurred on or about Sept. 19, 2025. Markowski is accused of helping Brandon dispose of Downer's body. If convicted, Brandon faces a potential life prison term. Markowski could face up to three years in county jail, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Downer is the sister of Jimmy Fowlie, a former writer for Saturday Night Live. She was reported missing on Dec. 18, 2025, after her ex-husband requested a welfare check because he had not heard from her for a long period. At that time, Brandon told police that Downer had moved out of their shared home months earlier. He said she left behind all her belongings, including her vehicle and her dog.

Detectives took over the case after Downer's cellphone washed ashore on Santa Monica Beach. The complaint notes that Brandon has prior convictions from 2008 for robbery and attempted robbery, and from 2015 for criminal threats. He also faces two felony counts of injuring a spouse involving a separate victim, his wife, from 2022.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement that more than a year has passed since Downer vanished. "Her family and friends have dealt with uncertainty amid the profound loss of someone they loved so much," Hochman said. The office stated the prosecution would hold both defendants accountable for their actions.

Arraignment for both defendants is postponed until Dec. 29. Brandon and Markowski remain in custody as the investigation continues.