The Los Angeles Police Department is refuting allegations that it informed the family of Christina Lynn Downer, sister of “Saturday Night Live” writer Jimmy Fowlie, of her presumed death.
Downer, aged 38, was reported missing earlier this December after her family last heard from her in late November. Fowlie recently shared a somber update, marking over four months without any significant developments in the case.
In a heartfelt Instagram post to his 73,000 followers, Fowlie wrote, “The LAPD has informed our family that Christina is no longer alive, and the case has officially transitioned from a missing person to a homicide investigation. Our prayers for her to be found safely have transformed into prayers for the truth to be revealed and for those responsible to be held accountable.”
However, on Thursday, the LAPD clarified that it “continues to investigate” the puzzling circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
“Although the circumstances of her disappearance are suspicious, Ms. Downer has not been located, and her case has not been reclassified as a homicide,” stated the department in an official release.
The Robbery-Homicide Division assures that they are committed to thoroughly investigating this case until they reach a conclusion.
Fowlie has not publicly commented on the LAPD’s statement.
In the weeks before Downer vanished, Fowlie’s family suspected that her “phone and social media were compromised” by someone who “is hoping to erase her in every way possible.”
On Dec. 14, days after Downer went missing, someone reposted an old Instagram Story on her account that read, “Living life in peace. If you wanna send me a Christmas treat I’ll be waiting. Happy holidays everyone.”
It’s still not clear who shared the photo, or if Downer’s account was hijacked.
Fowlie urged his followers to “advocate” on Downer’s behalf until “someone who knows something might find the courage to step forward.”
A laundry list of celebs, including Fowlie’s “SNL” coworkers, boosted his desperate plea on their own accounts, while many more commented words of encouragement.
Downer was last seen in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, according to the LAPD.
The LAPD said that anyone with information about Downer’s disappearance should contact the department’s Robbery-Homicide Division at (213) 486-6850.
