Christina Downer disappeared in Los Angeles in September 2025, and investigators believe she was killed, although her remains have not been found. Her boyfriend, Delorean Bijon Brandon, has been charged with first-degree murder, while his former girlfriend, Kaylee Nicole Markowski, faces two felony accessory counts. Court records describe allegations of stalking, threats and domestic violence involving the three people before Downer’s disappearance. Both defendants are being held on $2 million bail.
| 1) | Disappearance and homicide investigation |
| 2) | Charges against the boyfriend and former girlfriend |
| 3) | Restraining orders and alleged abuse |
| 4) | Evidence and investigators’ theory |
| 5) | Warning signs and continuing search |
Disappearance and homicide investigation
Christina Downer, 38, was last seen in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood in September 2025. Authorities learned she was missing in December, after her former husband reported that he had not heard from her for months. Downer lived with Delorean Bijon Brandon, who told police she had moved out but left behind belongings, her car and her miniature pinscher, Rex.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division became involved after Downer’s cellphone was found at Santa Monica Beach. Investigators believe she died on or around September 19, 2025. Her remains have not been located.
Charges against the boyfriend and former girlfriend
Prosecutors charged Delorean Bijon Brandon, 41, with first-degree murder last month. His former girlfriend, Kaylee Nicole Markowski, 34, faces two felony counts of being an accessory after the fact. Prosecutors allege the charges are connected to Downer’s disappearance and presumed death.
Both defendants are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center, with bail set at $2 million each. The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been resolved in court. Authorities continue to seek information that could clarify what happened to Downer and locate her remains.
Restraining orders and alleged abuse
Before Downer disappeared, she and Brandon separately sought protective orders against Markowski. In a 2024 petition, Downer alleged that Markowski had harassed and threatened her, used racial slurs, taken her cat and stolen a storage device containing intimate videos that was allegedly used for blackmail.
In July 2025, Brandon accused Markowski of harassment, damage involving his vehicle and interference with Downer’s employment. In another request filed in September, he alleged that Markowski hit and kicked him and threatened to shoot him because of his relationship with Downer. The earlier cases were dismissed after Downer and Brandon did not appear. Brandon withdrew the later request on September 18, one day before investigators believe Downer was killed.
Evidence and investigators’ theory
According to court documents, investigators believe Brandon and Markowski used Downer’s phone after her disappearance to send messages and create the impression that she had voluntarily left and intended to live off the grid. The messages allegedly also sought money.
The investigation has also examined earlier allegations involving both suspects. Brandon faces two felony counts related to alleged 2022 assaults against another woman, including an allegation that scissors were used. A separate civil harassment case involving Markowski was dismissed in 2022 for lack of prosecution. These allegations are distinct from the current charges.
Warning signs and continuing search
Domestic violence specialist Alyce LaViolette, who is not affiliated with the case, said courts assess the specific facts in each protective-order request rather than simply counting complaints. She also noted that court backlogs and uneven domestic-violence training can make it difficult to identify a broader pattern of abuse.
Downer’s brother, comedy television writer Jimmy Fowlie, publicly appealed for information after she was reported missing. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division at 213-486-6850.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Downer was last seen in Koreatown in September 2025 and remains missing. |
| 2 | Brandon faces a first-degree murder charge. |
| 3 | Markowski faces two felony accessory-after-the-fact counts. |
| 4 | Investigators believe Downer’s phone was used to support a false disappearance narrative. |
Summary
The case centers on Downer’s disappearance, alleged prior abuse and the conduct investigators attribute to Brandon and Markowski after she was last seen. Brandon’s murder charge and Markowski’s accessory charges remain allegations, while authorities continue searching for evidence and Downer’s remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Christina Downer disappear?
Downer was last seen in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood in September 2025. Her disappearance was reported to authorities in December.
Who has been charged in the case?
Delorean Bijon Brandon faces first-degree murder charges. Kaylee Nicole Markowski faces two felony counts of being an accessory after the fact.
Have Downer’s remains been found?
No. Investigators believe Downer was killed, but her remains have not been located.
