LAPD Arrests Two in Murder of 'SNL' Writer's Sister
The boyfriend of the victim and another suspect were booked on suspicion of murder with $2 million bail set for each.
By Harper Laurent ·
The Los Angeles Police Department arrested two individuals on Friday in the homicide of Christina Downer, the sister of a Saturday Night Live writer.
Delorean Bijon Brandon, 41, was taken into custody in the 6000 block of Garvanza Avenue in Los Angeles. Kaylee Nicole Markowski, 34, was arrested in the 6000 block of Tampa Avenue in Tarzana. Both suspects were booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center on suspicion of murder, and bail was set at $2 million for each of them.
The case originated when Downer was reported missing on Dec. 18, 2025. Her ex-husband requested a welfare check after an extended period without contact. At that time, Brandon told authorities that Downer had moved out several months earlier, leaving her vehicle and dog behind. The investigation shifted to the Robbery-Homicide Division after Downer's cellphone was found washed ashore on Santa Monica Beach.
Detectives identified Brandon and Markowski as responsible for the murder, the disposal of the body, and the concealment of their involvement. The pair had told police that Downer had voluntarily left her belongings, a claim investigators later refuted through their inquiry.
The Robbery-Homicide Division will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration. The department remains open to public tips, which can be submitted to the West Bureau Section at 213-382-9470 or through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
