LAPD Arrests Two Suspects in Christina Downer Murder Case

Two people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Christina Downer, the sister of a Saturday Night Live writer, after an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. The suspects include Downer's boyfriend, Delorean Bijon Brandon, and Kaylee Nicole Markowski, whom detectives identified as allegedly responsible for her death and the concealment of her body.

The LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division announced the arrests on Friday. Both suspects were taken into custody on October 29, 2026, at separate locations in Los Angeles County.

According to police, Brandon, 41, was arrested in the 6000 block of Garvanza Avenue in Los Angeles. Markowski, 34, was apprehended in the 6000 block of Tampa Avenue in Tarzana.

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

Downer was reported missing on December 18, 2025, after her ex-husband requested a welfare check. He had become concerned because he had not heard from her for an extended period.

During the initial investigation, Brandon told authorities that Downer had moved out several months earlier. He also said she had left behind all her belongings, including her vehicle and dog, according to the LAPD.

The investigation was subsequently transferred to detectives in the Robbery-Homicide Division after Downer's cellphone was discovered washed ashore at Santa Monica Beach.

Police said detectives employed multiple investigative techniques before identifying Brandon and Markowski as suspects. Investigators believe the two were involved in Downer's murder, the disposal of her body and efforts to conceal their involvement.

The case will next be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for consideration of criminal charges, according to the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division.

Authorities have not announced any formal charges filed by prosecutors. Both suspects remain booked on suspicion of murder.