Actor Akili McDowell has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the gunshot death of a 20-year-old man in Houston, Texas on July 20.
McDowell, 21, who has starred in Billions and David Makes Man, was booked into Harris County Jail on Thursday, Aug. 1, on charges of murder and robbery.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a social media post on August 3 that McDowell had been charged with the murder of Cesar Peralta.
Officers responded to an incident that occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 13503 North Thorntree, near Wallisville and Uvalde in East Harris County.
The message read: ‘An adult male (possibly in his 20s) sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Suspect(s) fled the scene.’
Actor Akili McDowell has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a 20-year-old man in Houston, Texas on July 20 – Photo 2019
McDowell, 21, who starred in Billions and David Makes Man, was booked into the Harris County Jail on Thursday, August 1, on charges of murder and robbery
An update to the post read: ‘Homicide detectives have charged Akili McDowell (21) with the murder of Cesar Peralta (20). McDowell was recently taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail.;
“The investigation is ongoing and we encourage anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100.”
Peralta was not armed.
It is currently unknown how McDowell was identified as a suspect, arrested, or whether he knew the victim.
According to online jail records, McDowell is being held on $400,000 bail on the murder charge and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, August 5.
He is due back in court on August 6 for the theft charge and on October 9 for the murder charge.
McDowell is known for his role as David in OWN’s David Makes Man.
He guest-starred as Savion Williams on Billions and played the role of Zavier Gibbs on The Astronaut Wives Club.
McDowell is known for his role as David on OWN’s David Makes Man – he is pictured with executive producers Oprah Winfrey, Michael B. Jordan and Tarell Alvin McCraney at the 2019 premiere