West Wilson: Summer House Star's Cousin Charged with Grandmother's Murder

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - "Summer House" reality star West Wilson has been in the spotlight after his cousin, Dakota Sweeney, was recently arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of their grandmother, Gayle R. Wilson.

This tragic incident happened in Carrollton, Missouri.

The arrest of 28-year-old Sweeney took place on April 22, 2026, after authorities responded to reports of a shooting at the victim's residence.

Gayle R. Wilson, 75, was found dead at the scene.

This incident happened just one day before West Wilson was scheduled to film a "Summer House" reunion episode in New York City.

According to initial reports, the deadly incident was believed to have been sparked by a family dispute over household chores.

Sweeney is currently being held without bail, facing serious charges including first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

West Wilson has not yet commented publicly on his family's tragedy.

"Summer House" star West Wilson's cousin has been arrested and charged with allegedly murdering their 75 year-old step-grandmother, Gayle. pic.twitter.com/YUFdrncDjC

— TMZ (@TMZ) April 29, 2026

On the evening of April 22, 2026, at approximately 10:25 PM local time, police in Carrollton, Missouri, responded to an emergency call regarding a reported shooting at a residence in the 100 block of West 14th Street.

Upon arrival, officers found Gayle R. Wilson deceased inside the home.

Dakota Sweeney, a cousin of "Summer House" star West Wilson, was found at the scene and arrested without incident.

During the arrest, police found a handgun holster on Sweeney, confirming his involvement in the incident.

Sweeney, a native of Carrollton, Missouri, did not resist arrest.

A witness reported that Sweeney had been sitting quietly in the same room with his grandmother for approximately 30 minutes before allegedly firing the fatal shot with a handgun.

Sweeney and Gayle were reportedly involved in an argument over Sweeney's inability to help with household chores.

Following his arrest, Dakota Sweeney was formally charged with two serious charges: first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

First-degree murder in Missouri carries a very severe sentence.

Sweeney is currently being held in the Caldwell County Jail.

He has not been granted bail, indicating that law enforcement considers him a flight risk or a threat to the community.

Detention without bail is standard procedure for serious murder cases.

Sweeney appeared in court on April 24, 2026, where he reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Gayle R. Wilson, the victim in this tragedy, had a complex family relationship with both suspects and "Summer House" star West Wilson.

Gayle was the stepmother of West Wilson's father, Bruce, and the biological mother of Dakota Sweeney, Kelly.

She had been married to West and Dakota's grandfather, Roger, for fifty years.

Gayle Wilson was known as an active and creative person.

Born on August 3, 1950, in Carroll County, Missouri, she had diverse artistic interests, including quilting, sewing, embroidery, and stained glass.

Some of her stained glass works were even exhibited at a Nevada casino.

Besides art, Gayle also enjoyed photography and was skilled at charcoal and pencil drawings.

During her career, Gayle served as a store manager at Video Showcase in Carrollton for 15 years and also worked as a Blackjack dealer at Harrah's Casino.