Billions star Akili McDowell charged with murder

A young actor, who starred in a series of TV shows including Billions, has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting.

Billions actor Akili McDowell has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to a deadly 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, reports The Sun.

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 pronounced dead when cops arrived at the scene.

Peralta was unarmed at the time of his death, officers said.

The shooter fled the scene, according to Gonzalez.

McDowell’s mugshot showed the suspect with a hint of a smile after he was booked into the Harris County Jail on August 1.

The actor has been charged with murder. Picture: Harris County Sheriff’s Office

The actor remains in jail on a $400,000 bond for the alleged murder, according to the jail’s site.

He’s also charged with theft of over $100 but less than $750, the record shows. His bond for the theft is $210.

The misdemeanour charge came in July 2023 when McDowell allegedly stole a pair of headphones, according to records.

Documents say McDowell was “charged with murder while on bond for theft.”

McDowell’s manager, Jonell Whitt, told Law&Crime that this is “an unfortunate situation.”

“I am in prayer for Akili and those impacted by this tragedy,” Whitt said.

“I respectfully have no comment at this time.”

McDowell and Damien Lewis in a scene from Billions.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Whitt for comment.

McDowell got his big break at 16 when he starred as the titular role in OWN drama series David Makes Man in 2019.

At the time, he spoke with Oprah Winfrey about his role in the series as a 14-year-old who makes his way out of “chaos and trauma,” as Oprah said.

“You don’t have to settle for what everybody may think 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 because he also had to grow up quickly.

“He just wants to be there for his mom,” David told the outlet about the series.

“She doesn’t gotta worry about David. That’s what he wants. David’s gonna do his job – David gonna get things done. And I felt that way in my life as well.”

McDowell is set to appear in court on August 6 for the theft charge and on October 9 for the murder charge.

He has a court date appearance scheduled on August 6 for the theft charge and an additional date on October 9 for the murder charge.

This article originally appeared in The U.S. Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Billions star Akili McDowell charged with murder