When he returned home, he became upset and lay on the ground. Wilson attempted to restrain him by sitting on him, later telling investigators she believed he was pretending and did not realize the severity of the situation. A child in the home called 911 when Dakota became unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support but died two days later, on April 25, 2024. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxia, with severe internal injuries.

Court documents later revealed Dakota had previously run to a neighbor asking to be adopted, raising concerns about his well-being. Wilson later pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and, in January 2025, was sentenced to six years in prison, with one year suspended to probation.

Dakota had only recently entered foster care and was remembered as a boy who loved the outdoors and “marched to the beat of his own drum.” His story has renewed calls for stronger protection and oversight within the foster care system — a reminder that every child deserves safety, care, and compassion.