Summer House's West Wilson's Cousin Arrested and Charged in Grandmother's Death

A troubling incident has struck the family of Summer House star West Wilson. His cousin, Dakota Sweeney, was taken into custody last Wednesday, April 22, and faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of their grandmother, Gayle R Wilson.

Law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting at a residence, where they discovered Gayle deceased inside the home. According to witness accounts, Dakota had been sitting quietly with his grandmother for approximately 30 minutes before the alleged shooting occurred with a handgun.

The evening leading up to the incident involved a dispute between Dakota and Gayle centered on household chores. Witnesses relayed to police that tension had escalated between the two over his lack of assistance with tasks around the house.

Upon apprehension, officers discovered a holster on Dakota's person. He was arrested without resistance at the scene. A search of the property also recovered the weapon involved.

The 31-year-old Wilson has recently navigated public attention surrounding his on-screen dynamic with Summer House co-star Amanda Batula. The family tragedy unfolded the day before the Summer House reunion taping, which took place Thursday, April 23, in New York City.

Gayle R Wilson was the grandmother of both West and Dakota. West's father and Dakota's mother are Gayle's stepchildren.

The Wilson family faces an extraordinarily difficult period ahead.