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Judge Orders Competency Exam for Dakota Sweeney in Step-Grandmother Killing Case

The competency review will test his capacity to participate in his defense.

Overview

  • Sweeney, who appeared remotely from jail, drew a court-ordered mental evaluation after Wednesday's hearing shifted focus to his fitness to proceed, and the judge continued the case to July 29.
  • His public defender told the court he has been minimally responsive in meetings, offering only slight nods and limited reactions.
  • Prosecutors say he is charged with first-degree murder in the April 22 shooting of 75-year-old Gayle R. Wilson in Carrollton, Missouri, and he has pleaded not guilty.
  • Police reports state a witness saw him sit quietly with Wilson for about 30 minutes before allegedly shooting her after an earlier dispute over chores.
  • Authorities say they arrested him at the scene and noted a holster on his person, and the case has drawn added interest due to his cousin connection to Bravo’s Summer House cast member West Wilson.