Akili McDowell, a rising star from the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), has been arrested and charged with murder in Houston, TX, following a deadly shooting.
The 21-year-old actor, best known for his lead role in the OWN series David Makes Man and appearances in Showtime’s Billions and the recently released film The Waterboyz was arrested and booked on August 1st on charges of murder and theft, according to reports from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
McDowell is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, August 6th, for the theft charge and on October 9th for the murder charge.
Authorities allege that McDowell shot and killed 20-year-old Cesar Peralta on July 20 at the Thorntree Apartments near Uvalde before fleeing the scene.
“On July 20, 2023, Harris County Sherrif’s Office deputies responded to an incident that occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 13503 North Thorntree, near Wallisville and Uvalde (East Harris County,” read a statement by Harris County Deputy Ed Gonzalez.
” An adult male (possibly in his 20s) sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Suspect(s) fled the scene.”
Local authorities apprehended him almost two weeks later. Investigators suspect that Peralta visited the apartments to purchase drugs from McDowell, whom neighbors described to ABC13 as “the weed man.”
“This defendant was seen talking to the complainant. They had a fistfight. The defendant pulled out a pistol and shot him once. When the complainant went to his car, he shot him again and again,” the prosecutor told the court during McDowell’s first appearance.
A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, reported hearing the gunshots and then seeing McDowell speeding away.
According to his Facebook page, McDowell is from the Channelview area and a North Shore High School alum.
McDowell is currently being held in the Harris County jail on a $400,000 bond. While he has yet to comment on his arrest or the charges against him, the David Makes Man actor told the court that he is indigent and has been assigned a public defender.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100.
