Summer House star West Wilson’s cousin has been accused of fatally shooting their grandmother, according to police.
Gayle Wilson, 75, was reportedly killed in her Missouri home on April 22. West Wilson’s cousin, identified as 28-year-old Dakota Sweeney, was arrested and charged the next day with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
A witness told investigators that Sweeney opened fire after an argument about him “not assisting with chores” around the house, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s probable cause statement. The pair had been in a room together, sitting on separate couches, for half an hour before Sweeney fired a handgun “without warning,” the document said.
Sweeney lived with his grandmother, according to NBC News. The probable cause statement also identified the victim and witness as Sweeney’s grandparents.
Sweeney has pleaded not guilty, according to court records. The Independent has requested comment from his attorney.
The shooting occurred just a day before the Summer House cast filmed their reunion episode, NBC News reports.
West Wilson stars on Bravo’s Summer House, a reality TV show that follows a group who share a summer house in the Hamptons. He first joined the show during its eighth season. Summer House’s 10th and current season premiered in February.
In the season 10 reunion episode, cast members are reportedly expected to address a romantic scandal, dubbed “Scamanda” by fans, that involves West Wilson and his co-star, Amanda Batula. The episode is expected to air in late May.
The Independent requested comment from a spokesperson for Summer House.
Gayle Wilson’s life was “marked by creativity, kindness, and cherished moments,” according to an obituary posted by Lindley Funeral Homes. She loved to cook, travel and make art, the obituary said.
“Gayle expressed love through culinary delight, often seen bringing smiles with her heartfelt meals and baked treats. Her cooking was the essence of her love language, nourishing both the body and the spirit of those she cherished,” the obituary reads. “Gayle loved to travel, and recently completed her bucket list of traveling to all 50 states of this great nation.”
The Independent has contacted the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office for more information.
