The LAPD is pushing back on claims that it told the family of Christina Lynn Downer — the missing sister of “SNL” writer Jimmy Fowlie — that she was “no longer alive.”
Downer, 38, was reported missing in early December, after her family hadn’t heard from her since late November. Fowlie shared a heartbreaking update on Wednesday, after four months without a break in the case.
“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,” Fowlie wrote to his 73,000 followers on Instagram.
But the LAPD said Thursday it “continues to investigate” her baffling 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,” the department wrote in a statement.
“The [Robbery-Homicide Division] will diligently investigate this case until a resolution can be reached.”
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.
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