Court Records Show Stalking and Threats Before SNL Writer’s Sister Disappears

Months before a tragedy unfolded, court documents revealed a history of allegations involving stalking, threats, and domestic violence. These involved two individuals now facing charges concerning the disappearance and death of Christina Downer, the sister of a ‘Saturday Night Live’ writer.

In recent developments, Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Delorean Bijon Brandon, aged 41, with first-degree murder. His former girlfriend, Kaylee Nicole Markowski, aged 34, faces two felony counts for being an accessory after the fact. Investigators suspect that Brandon killed Downer around September 19, 2025. Her remains remain undiscovered.

Christina Downer, sister to ‘SNL’ writer Jimmy Fowlie, was last seen in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood in September 2025. Before her disappearance, both Downer and Brandon sought restraining orders against Markowski, accusing her of stalking and blackmail. However, these cases were dismissed following their failure to appear in court, as per records acquired by Los Angeles Magazine.

Downer’s Disappearance and Believed Death

Authorities learned about Downer’s disappearance in December 2025 through her ex-husband, who reported that he hadn’t heard from her in months. Jimmy Fowlie took to Instagram to make public pleas for details concerning his sister’s whereabouts.

Brandon, Downer’s boyfriend, and apartment mate in Koreatown, informed police she moved out months prior, leaving her belongings, her car, and her cherished miniature pinscher named Rex behind.

The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division stepped in when Downer’s cellphone was found at Santa Monica Beach. Investigators theorize Brandon and Markowski used her phone to craft a narrative suggesting she voluntarily vanished.

The individuals using her phone concealed her disappearance, requested money, and fabricated that she was going ‘off the grid,’ Fowlie shared on Instagram.

Fowlie voiced his determination to amplify his sister’s story, stating, She was a beautiful person who matters in this world.

Restraining Orders and Domestic Violence Allegations

In September 2024, Downer accused Markowski of terrorizing her since December 2023. She alleged threats, burglary attempts, verbal abuse, and blackmail in court petitions. Markowski reportedly stole Downer’s cat and a storage device containing intimate videos.

In July 2025, Brandon also requested a restraining order, accusing Markowski of harassment and attempted job interference. Both orders were dismissed after nonappearance in court.

Brandon filed another protective order in September 2025, alleging physical assault and death threats from Markowski. A hearing was set, but Brandon withdrew the request the day before investigators believe Downer was killed.

Previous Accusations and Ongoing Cases

Brandon faces additional charges concerning previous domestic violence acts, allegedly involving scissors. Separately, a woman filed a harassment restraining order against Markowski in April 2022, dismissed later for lack of prosecution.

Both defendants are detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center with $2 million bail each. They haven’t publicly commented on the ongoing case. The public is urged to report information to the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division at 213-486-6850.

Warning Signs Unrecognized

Despite extensive warnings, courts may not always recognize domestic violence patterns. Domestic violence expert Alyce LaViolette stated that not all judges distinguish clear signs of abuse that precede domestic homicides.

LaViolette emphasized that victims may struggle to leave abusive situations immediately, often taking multiple incidents. Protective orders alone may not necessarily indicate or deter danger.

High-risk situations, such as strangulation or weapon threats, should raise alarm, but high-risk individuals might remain undeterred by protective orders.