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Akili McDowell, an actor known for his starring role in the OWN series David Makes Man, has been arrested and charged with murder in Houston. 

Akili McDowell arrested, charged in shooting death of man in Houston 

McDowell, 21, was arrested on August 1 in connection with the July 20 shooting death of Cesar Peralta, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting at an apartment complex in the 13500 block of South Thorntree at approximately 7 p.m. on July 20. They found an unresponsive man with multiple gunshot wounds who was later pronounced dead by EMS personnel. Witnesses told officers that the man had been shot during an altercation with a Black man who fled the scene on foot.   

According to jail records, McDowell has also been charged with theft. His bond is set at $400,210. He has a court date of August 6 for the theft charge and October 9 for the murder charge. 

“This is an unfortunate situation and I am in prayer for Akili and those impacted by this tragedy,” Akili’s manager, Jonell Whitt, told the Associated Press. 

The investigation into Peralta’s murder is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the HCSO Homicide Unit at (713) 274-9100.

McDowell starred in ‘David Makes Man’ 

Akili McDowell wearing a blazer and sitting at a desk in 'David Makes Man'
Akili McDowell in ‘David Makes Man’ | Rod Millington / 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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McDowell starred in the OWN coming-of-age drama David Makes Man, which premiered in 2019. A second season aired in 2021.

The show centers on David, a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects in South Florida who is haunted by his close friend’s death. Meanwhile, his hardworking single mother leans on him as she tries to find a way out of poverty. David must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a chance at a different life. The show was inspired by events in creator and Moonlight co-screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney’s own life. David Makes Man also featured Alana Arenas as David’s mother and Phylicia Rashad as Dr. Woods-Trap. 

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey (via YouTube), McDowell spoke about the show’s message. 

“You can be something,” he said. “You don’t have to settle for what everybody may think you’re going to be. You can work to be better. And you can be better.”

In addition to David Makes Man, McDowell has also appeared in episodes of Billions, The Astronaut Wives Club, and Chase the Lion, as well as the movie The Waterboyz. 

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