Officials search Joshua Tree for SNL writer’s missing sister

Investigators are searching the Joshua Tree area in connection to the disappearance of “Saturday Night Live” writer Jimmy Fowlie’s sister, Christina Downer, who vanished late last year.

The LAPD’s Robbery Homicide division told NBC Los Angeles that detectives and canine units were searching for evidence in Downer’s December 2025 disappearance.

In an April social media post, Fowlie made the heartbreaking announcement that his sister was believed to be dead. However, LAPD officials said the investigation into Downer’s disappearance remained ongoing.

In his April 29 post, Fowlie said the family’s desperate hope of finding Downer alive had shifted toward uncovering what happened to her and seeking justice.

He also raised disturbing allegations that someone may have gained access to Downer’s phone and social media accounts in the weeks leading up to her disappearance.

According to Fowlie, whoever controlled the accounts allegedly used them to conceal her disappearance, solicit money and make it appear as though she had voluntarily decided to cut off contact with the outside world.

Those allegations have not been publicly confirmed by police.

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