'Billions' actor Akili McDowell (21) arrested on murder charges
Akili McDowell, a 21-year-old actor recognized for his roles in Billions and David Makes Man, has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting. The victim, 20-year-old Cesar Peralta, was killed on July 20. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the incident occurred in an apartment complex parking lot at 13503 North Thorntree, East Harris County.
Scene details and McDowell's connection remain unclear
Upon reaching the scene, deputies discovered Peralta with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced him dead. The suspects reportedly fled the scene. However, it remains unclear how McDowell is linked to this incident or his relationship with Peralta. Further details about the case are yet to be revealed by the authorities.
McDowell faces murder and theft charges
McDowell was taken into custody last week and booked into the Harris County Jail in Houston, Texas. He faces charges of murder and theft, with his bond set at $4,00,210 for both alleged crimes according to online jail records. While he is scheduled to appear in court for the theft charges this week, his court date for the murder charges is set for October.
McDowell's manager calls situation 'unfortunate'
Jonell Whitt, McDowell's manager, referred to the situation as "unfortunate" in a statement to Law & Crime. "I am in prayer for Akili and those impacted by this tragedy," Whitt said. Representatives for McDowell have not yet responded to requests for comment on the charges against him.
McDowell's rise to fame and recent projects
McDowell gained fame at 15 when he secured the lead role in David Makes Man, a series about a gifted 14-year-old from a single-parent household. He later appeared in Billions and I Am Athlete, and most recently starred in The Waterboyz. Just one week before his arrest, McDowell began filming for another coming-of-age film, Stay With Me.
