Akili McDowell, known for his role in the OWN TV series “David Makes Man,” was arrested and charged with murder in Houston. The 21-year-old actor was booked into the Harris County Jail on Thursday, August 1, on charges of murder and theft, according to online jail records. Details about his plea or legal representation remain unclear.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced the arrest on Facebook on August 3. The statement detailed that the fatal shooting took place in the parking lot of a Houston apartment complex on July 20. Responding deputies discovered 20-year-old Cesar Peralta with gunshot wounds. Peralta was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff’s office has not yet clarified how McDowell was identified as a suspect or if he knew the victim. Details surrounding the shooting and McDowell’s involvement remain under investigation.
McDowell gained fame for his portrayal of David in “David Makes Man,” a critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama series that premiered on OWN in August 2019.
Currently, McDowell is being held on a $400,000 bond for the murder charge and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, August 5. The investigation is ongoing, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact their Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100.
