Akili McDowell, Star Of ‘David Makes Man,’ Charged With Murder

Akili McDowell, the star of David Makes Man, was arrested this past weekend in Houston. The 21-year-old actor was charged with murder and theft.

Harris County Jail online records show that McDowell was taken into custody last Thursday (Aug. 1). Ed Gonzalez, the Harris County Sheriff, only announced the arrest via Facebook on Saturday (Aug. 3), revealing that the shooting took place on July 20.

Deputies were called to a crime scene where they found the victim, 20-year-old Cesar Peralta, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot of an apartment complex. Peralta was pronounced dead at the scene and Gonzalez claimed that those suspected of killing him had fled the scene.

Authorities don’t currently know whether Akili McDowell knew the victim nor have they announced how he was identified as one of the suspects. As of now, it is also unclear whether McDowell has submitted a plea or obtained an attorney to speak on his behalf. His bail is currently set at $400,00 and he was booked to appear in court on Monday (Aug. 5).

McDowell broke through at 16 years old with his lead role as David in OWN’s David Makes Man, which premiered in August 2019. The show won a Peabody Award for Entertainment in 2020 and was renewed for a second season which premiered in June 2021. Phylicia Rashad also appeared in the show, playing the role of Dr. Woods-Trap.

McDowell has also appeared in works such as It’s Not About Me, The Astronaut Wives Club, Billions, I Am Athlete, and The Waterboyz.