By Basant El-Faramawy
Delorean Bijon Brandon, 41, of Los Angeles, has been charged with one count of murder in the death of Christina Downer, 38, whose body has not been found. Downer, the sister of former "Saturday Night Live" writer Jimmy Fowlie, was reported missing on December 18, 2025. The criminal complaint alleges the killing occurred on or about September 19, 2025.
Additional charges and prior convictions
Brandon also faces two felony counts of injuring a spouse involving a separate victim, his wife, in 2022, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The complaint notes prior convictions for robbery and attempted robbery in 2008 and criminal threats in 2015.
Phone discovery leads to homicide investigation
Detectives from the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division took over the case after Downer's cellphone washed ashore on Santa Monica Beach. Brandon had told police that Downer moved out months earlier, leaving behind her vehicle and dog. He was arrested last Thursday along with Kaylee Markowski, 34, of Los Angeles.
Accessory charge and prosecution statement
Markowski, identified as Brandon's girlfriend, was charged with one felony count of being an accessory after the fact. Prosecutors accuse her of helping dispose of the victim's body. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the prosecution would hold both defendants accountable, noting that more than a year had passed since Downer vanished.
Arraignment delayed and potential sentences
Arraignment has been postponed until December 29. If convicted as charged, Brandon faces a potential life prison term, while Markowski could face up to three years in county jail.
Searches and family response
Investigators searched a property in Joshua Tree last month, including an Airbnb, in connection with the disappearance. On April 29, Fowlie posted on Instagram that LAPD officials informed the family Downer was no longer alive and the case had become a homicide investigation. He urged that her story not be erased.
Public appeal for information
Police urge anyone with information to contact the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division West Bureau Section at 213-382-9470 during business hours, or 877-527-3247 after hours. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or via lacrimestoppers.org.
