‘SNL’ writer Jimmy Fowlie says sister’s case now a homicide investigation; LAPD says it is not

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Jimmy Fowlie, a writer for “Saturday Night Live,” announced the death of his sister, Christina Downer, four months after she was reported missing. He stated that authorities are investigating her death as a homicide. However, the Los Angeles Police Department later said they haven’t changed the classification of her case and are still investigating her disappearance.

It’s with a shattered heart that I share the news – the LAPD has confirmed Christina is no longer with us. What started as a desperate search for a missing person has now become a homicide investigation. Honestly, as a film lover, I often see stories like this play out on screen, but experiencing it personally is just… devastating. All our hopes for her safe return have shifted to a plea for justice – we need to find out what happened and hold whoever is responsible accountable. It’s just a terrible tragedy.

According to a statement given to The Times, Los Angeles police described Downer’s case as suspicious, but they haven’t started investigating it as a murder yet.

The Times reached out to Fowlie for clarity but hasn’t heard back.

Fowlie stated the family suspects that in the weeks leading up to the disappearance, someone gained access to the missing woman’s phone and social media. They believe the person using the phone tried to cover up her absence by making it look like she had voluntarily left and was intentionally unreachable, and also requested money.

Fowlie shared this information because she thinks someone is trying to completely erase this person from memory. She wants to make sure her story is heard and to emphasize that she was a kind, important person, especially to Fowlie herself.

Fowlie expressed hope that someone with information would come forward. He stated, “My sister is unable to speak for herself now, so I’m asking for your help in finding answers.”

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The long-running comedy show is marking its 50th season with two new documentaries and a special television program looking back at its history as a beloved part of American culture.

The Times checked in with the LAPD for the latest information on the Downer case. Police say detectives in the Robbery-Homicide Division are still working to find out what happened to Downer.

Police say Ms. Downer is still missing, and while the circumstances are concerning, her case hasn’t been officially labeled a homicide. The Robbery-Homicide Division is continuing to investigate and asks anyone with information to call them at (213) 486-6850. They are committed to finding answers in this case.

In December 2025, Fowlie posted about his missing sister on Instagram, expressing the family’s worry for her well-being. He also shared a photo of her with her dog, Rex, explaining that she was very close to Rex and he likely would be with her if anyone saw her.

The post stated that Downer was last seen in Koreatown. Her friend mentioned they last heard from her on November 26th and she was using social media until around December 15th. He also said detectives asked the family to keep some information private to avoid hindering the investigation. He added that Downer had no history of mental health issues and had never disappeared like this before.

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2026-05-01 02:32