The 'Summer House' fame West Wilson and his family are facing an extremely challenging time. On one hand, they have lost an elderly family member, and on the other, a relative has been charged with that murder. According to authorities, West Wilson's cousin has been arrested on charges of their grandmother's murder.
Details of the Incident
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that law enforcement officials from Carroll County, Missouri, were the first responders after receiving a report of a shooting at a home on West 14th Street on April 22 at approximately 10:25 p.m. A deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office discovered the mortal remains of a 75-year-old woman, identified as Gayle R. Wilson.
The report stated, 'A witness on scene identified a male suspect, who was also still on scene. The male suspect was taken into custody without incident.' Later, Dakota Sweeney, 28, was identified as the suspect and was taken to the Caldwell County Jail on a no-bond warrant on charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Witness Account
According to People, the Missouri State Highway Patrol's probable cause statement revealed that Sweeney and a male witness were inside the house when officers arrived. The female victim and the male witness were identified as Sweeney's grandparents. The report mentioned that Sweeney's grandfather allegedly saw him sitting on a 'couch next to Victim #1 for approximately 30 minutes and without warning shot Victim #1 in the head.' Reportedly, the grandfather witnessed a disagreement between Sweeney and his grandmother about the allocation of house chores earlier in the evening. Investigators later located a 'holster' on Sweeney.
Reality TV Context
The news arrives amid a reality TV scandal involving the Summer House star. Rumors of West dating his co-star Amanda Batula have been circulating, with both parties denying the claims.
