In a poignant message shared on social media, Jimmy Fowlie, a writer for Saturday Night Live, announced the tragic death of his sister, Christina Lynn Downer. The news came to light on Wednesday, marking a sorrowful turn in a case that has gripped the family since her disappearance.
Fowlie, who has been part of SNL’s writing team since 2022 and co-authored the popular ‘Domingo’ sketch, revealed that he last saw his 38-year-old sister at the end of November. His recent Instagram update confirmed the heartbreaking development regarding Christina’s fate.
“The LAPD has informed our family that Christina is no longer alive, and the investigation has shifted from a missing person case to a homicide investigation,” Fowlie explained in his statement. This grim revelation has turned the family’s hopes for her safe return into a quest for justice and truth.
He expressed that their prayers have now become a call for uncovering the truth and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice. The family is determined to see accountability in the face of this tragedy.
Additionally, Fowlie noted suspicions surrounding the weeks leading up to Christina’s disappearance, suggesting that her phone and social media accounts may have been compromised. This disturbing possibility adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding investigation.
Fowlie also said he and his family ‘have reason to believe that in the weeks before she went missing, her phone and social media were compromised.
‘The individual[s] in possession of her phone used it to hide the fact she was gone to ask for money and to create a false narrative that she was going “off the grid,”‘ the comedian claimed.
A review of Downer’s Instagram page showed a new post weeks after she was reported missing.
Jimmy Fowlie, 40 – who joined SNL’s writing staff in 2022 and co-wrote the viral ‘Domingo’ sketch – has said he last saw his sister Christina Lynn Downer, 38, at the end of November
Fowlie said he and his family have reason to believe someone compromised her phone and social media accounts in the weeks before Downer was reported missing
Fowlie wrote on Instagram on April 24 that he had no new updates on his missing sister
‘Living life in peace,’ Downer posted on December 14. ‘If you wanna send me a Christmas treat, I’ll be waiting. Happy holidays everyone.’
But the same photo was posted to Downer’s Instagram story in June and saved as a highlight on her profile, The US Sun reports.
In Fowlie’s statement on Wednesday, he said he is sharing his concerns ‘because I believe that whoever is responsible is hoping to erase her in every way possible.
‘I want to amplify her story in the only way I know how,’ he explained. ‘And to express that she was a beautiful person who matters in this world, especially to me.’
‘I also believe there is a chance that someone who knows something might find the courage to step forward,’ Fowlie continued.
‘My sister can no longer advocate for herself, but I can and I hope you will too,’ he wrote, explaining: ‘The best way you could support me in this moment is to share this post and to talk about her story.’
The comedian also shared several photos of his sister over the years, including photos of him and her as young children and at her wedding.
Fowlie previously shared an official missing persons bulletin to social media in December, writing that he and his family were ‘worried that she isn’t safe’
Fowlie said he wanted to amplify his sister’s story and advocate for justice for her
In the caption, Fowlie thanked everyone ‘for all your continued support during this terrible time.’
‘I’m gonna take a step back from social media due to the intense overwhelming feelings,’ he then announced. ‘Please take any info you may have directly to [the] LAPD and not me.’
The heartbreaking post came just days after Fowlie said there were ‘no updates I can share’ as he said he was ‘thinking about her every day.’
He previously also shared an official missing persons bulletin on December 22, including two photos of Downer, whom the police department described as being five-foot-one-inch with brown hair and brown eyes.
‘My sister has been missing and we are worried that she isn’t safe,’ Fowlie wrote at the time.
Fowlie also noted that Downer is rarely seen without her dog, a miniature pinscher named Rex.
‘If you see her, chances are he’d be with her,’ the comedy writer posted.
The post was then shared by numerous past and present Saturday Night Live colleagues, including Chloe Fineman, Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Bowen Yang and James Austin Johnson.
Fowlie’s work extends beyond Saturday Night Live, with credits including Netflix’s A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter.
He has also starred in and written projects such as the comedy web series Go-Go Boy Interrupted and HBO Max’s The Other Two.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department for comment. A spokesperson for the department had confirmed earlier on Wednesday that Downer was still reported missing.
