BREAKING NEWS'Summer House' Star West Wilson's Cousin Charged With Murdering Their Grandmother Using a Handgun
West Wilson's grandmother was shot dead, with his cousin named as the accused killer.
April 30 2026, Updated 12:49 a.m. ET
In a chilling reality television meets true crime crossover, Summer House star West Wilson's cousin has been charged with murdering their grandmother.
West's cousin, Dakota Sweeney of Carrollton, Mo., was arrested on Wednesday, April 22 — one night before his relative's explosive Summer House Season 10 reunion was taped for Bravo.
West Wilson's cousin Dakota Sweeney was arrested for allegedly murdering their grandmother.
Dakota was ultimately charged with the first-degree murder of his and West's grandmother Gayle R. Wilson, as well as armed criminal action. The 75-year-old was a stepmother to West's father, Bruce, and Dakota's mother, Kelly, according to TMZ.
Per the news outlet, Dakota was taken into police custody after cops were called to the scene of a reported shooting at a residence in Carroll County, where they discovered Gayle deceased.
West Wilson's cousin was accused of shooting his grandmother 'without warning.'
A witness informed law enforcement officials that Dakota and Gayle were seated on a separate couch in the same room for roughly 30 minutes before he allegedly shot her dead using a handgun "without warning," according to the probable cause statement, which said the incident occurred at around 10:30 p.m.
The same witness claimed Dakota and Gayle had been arguing hours prior over the accused killer "not assisting with chores around the residence."
Dakota was arrested without incident. Once in custody, cops discovered a holster on his person. He's currently behind bars without bond, with his bond hearing set for May 6.
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True Crime Meets 'Summer House' Scandal
West Wilson has been ripped apart online over his new romance with Amanda Batula.
Dakota and West were both included in Gayle's obituary.
"She leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Dakota Sweeney, Cierra Deshazo and husband, Garrett, Owen Sweeney, Evan Vanderbur, Olivia Vanderbur, West Wilson and Henry Wilson," the memo read.
The arrest of West's cousin comes as the reality star himself has been in headlines for a scandalous love triangle between him, Amanda Batula and Ciara Miller.
West Wilson dated Ciara Miller in 2023 before recently moving on with Amanda Batula.
Ciara and West dated in 2023 and reportedly hooked up earlier this year before he moved on with her best friend and their mutual costar Amanda.
Making matters more problematic, Amanda is fresh off the heels of separating from estranged husband Kyle Cooke — also a Summer House star — after four years of marriage.
