BILLIONS actor Akili McDowell has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting last month.
McDowell, 21, allegedly shot and killed Cesar Peralta, 20, in the parking lot of a Houston apartment complex on July 20, according to police.
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Actor Akili McDowell has been charged with murderCredit: Harris County Sheriff’s Office
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The shooting happened in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Houston Credit: KHOU 11
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McDowell starred in Billions and David Makes ManCredit: Getty
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McDowell is in jail on $400,000 bail Credit: Instagram/akilimcdowell
The TV actor is known for his roles in Billions, David Makes Man, The Astronaut Wives Club and Criminal Activities.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Peralta was found with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead when police arrived at the scene.
Peralta was unarmed at the time of his death, officers said.
According to Gonzalez, the shooter fled the scene.
McDowell’s photo shows the suspect with a hint of a smile after he was booked into the Harris County Jail on Aug. 1.
The actor remains in jail on $400,000 bail for the alleged murder, according to the jail’s website.
He was also charged with theft over $100 but less than $750, records show. His bond for theft is $210.
The misdemeanor charge followed in July 2023 when McDowell allegedly stole a pair of headphones, according to records.
The documents say McDowell “was charged with murder while out on bail for theft.”
McDowell’s manager, Jonell Whitt, told Law&Crime it was an “unfortunate situation”.
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“I am praying for Akili and those affected by this tragedy,” Whitt said.
“With all due respect, I have no comment at this time.”
US Sun has approached Whitt for comment.
McDowell got his big break at the age of 16 when he starred in his OWN drama series David Makes Man in 2019.
He then spoke to Oprah Winfrey about his role on the show as a 14-year-old who pulls himself out of “chaos and trauma,” as Oprah put it.
Filmography of Akili McDowell
Akili McDowell has been involved in the following projects since his first role in 2013:
- It’s Not About Me (2013)
- Astronaut Wives Club (2015)
- The Red Pearl (2015)
- Criminal Activities (2015)
- Chase The Lion (2018)
- Athan & Sarah (2018)
- Billions (2020)
- I am an athlete (2021)
- David creates man (2019-2021)
- The Waterboyz (2024)
McDowell is also set to appear in two upcoming short films titled Stay with Me – A Goodman Chronicles and The Halloween Club, according to IMDB.
“You don’t have to settle for what everyone thinks you’re going to be,” McDowell said at the time.
“You can work to be better and you can be better.”
He also told Vulture that year that the role was important to him because he related to his character David as he too had to grow up quickly.
“He just wants to be with his mom,” David said of this series.
“She doesn’t have to worry about David. That’s what he wants. David will do his job—David will get things done. That’s how I’ve felt in my life.”
McDowell is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 6 on the theft charge and Oct. 9 on the murder charge.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 6 on the theft charge and an additional date on Oct. 9 on the murder charge.
Gonzalez is asking anyone with information to contact the local homicide unit at 713-274-9100 as the investigation into Peralta’s death is still ongoing.
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McDowell spoke to Oprah Winfrey about his title role in David Makes Man in 2019. Credit: Getty
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McDowell said he related to his character in the drama series Credit: Getty
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David Makes Man was an original series for the Oprah Winfrey NetworkCredit: OWN
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McDowell allegedly shot and killed Cesar Peralta on July 20 Credit: KHOU 11
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