‘David Makes Man’ Actor Akili McDowell Charged w/ Murder, Allegedly Shot Man In Houston During Fight Amid Drug Deal

Akili McDowell mugshot

‘David Makes Man’ Actor Akili McDowell Charged w/ Murder, Allegedly Shot Man In Houston During Fight Amid Drug Deal

Actor Akili McDowell, known for his role in the series David Makes Mann, has been arrested and charged with murder.

Akili McDowell allegedly shot and killed a 20-year-old man named Cesar Peralta in the parking lot of Thorntree Apartments in Houston on July 20, per the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The shooting happened around 9:15 p.m. and Cesar Peralta was declared dead at the scene.

Akili McDowell, 21, was taken into custody about two weeks later at Harris County Jail with a bond of $400,000. He appeared in court yesterday (Monday, Aug. 5). It’s unclear what led to the shooting, however, investigators said that Cesar Peralta went to the apartment complex to purchase drugs from McDowell, who neighbors refer to as the “weed man.”

A dispute allegedly occurred between McDowell and Cesar Peralta. Prosecutors said during McDowell’s court appearance,

“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.”

An unidentified witness said they heard shots ring out before seeing McDowell speed off.

McDowell noted in court that he was struggling financially and had a public defender.

His manager, Jonell Whitt, said in a statement,