Summer House star West Wilson’s cousin Dakota Sweeney has been arrested and charged with the alleged murder of their grandmother Gayle Wilson, Us Weekly can confirm.
Sweeney, 28, was arrested on April 22 in Carroll County, Missouri, for murder in the first degree and armed criminal action, according to a probable cause statement obtained by Us on Wednesday, April 29.
“On April 22, 2026, at approximately 22:25 hours, Carroll County law enforcement officials were notified of a homicide,” the police report reads. “Carroll County Deputy Snyder arrived at the residence a few minutes later where he located [the victim] deceased inside the residence.”
The police report further indicates that Sweeney and another witness were present at the time of the incident. The eyewitness, identified as Sweeney’s grandfather Roger, alleged that Sweeney shot Gayle with a handgun “without warning.”
“According to [the] witness, earlier in the evening, Sweeney and [the] victim had been in a disagreement about Sweeney not assisting with chores around the residence,” the report added.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is treating the incident as a potential homicide.
“At the request of the Carrollton, MO Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating a homicide which occurred on Wednesday, April 22, 2026,” a statement shared the next day read. “Sweeney is being held in the Caldwell County Jail on a no-bond warrant.”
The statement adds, “These charges are a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.”
West, 31, and Sweeney are two of Gayle’s seven grandchildren. She was 75.
“Gayle lived a life marked by creativity, kindness, and cherished moments,” an obituary reads. “She was more than her job titles; Gayle was an artist at heart. Known for her quilting every Thursday with her church friends, Gayle was accomplished in sewing, embroidery, and even the delicate art of stained glass, with pieces featured in a Nevada casino. Her talents extended to photography and rendering stunning images in charcoal and pencil.”
Gayle is survived by her husband of 50 years, her four children and her “cherished” grandchildren.
“Gayle expressed love through culinary delight, often seen bringing smiles with her heartfelt meals and baked treats,” the statement added. “Her cooking was the essence of her love language, nourishing both the body and the spirit of those she cherished. Gayle loved to travel, and recently completed her bucket list of traveling to all 50 states of this great nation.”
West, who has not publicly addressed his grandmother’s death, resides in New York City.
