Stepsont of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Arrested After Fatal Shooting
Duane Chapman’s stepson, known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” faced arrest on Tuesday. This follows a tragic incident more than six months ago, where a man unintentionally shot and killed his teenage son while reportedly intoxicated, according to police.
Gregory Anthony Zecca, 39, was charged with aggravated manslaughter. He accidentally shot his 13-year-old son, Anthony, during a UFC viewing party at a friend’s apartment in Naples, Florida, back on July 19, police reported.
Officers from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office took Zecca into custody after a prolonged investigation suggested he was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs at the time of the incident.
The police stated that Zecca consumed alcohol heavily throughout the day and also smoked marijuana while watching the fight with his son. As they were together, Zecca reportedly brandished a firearm multiple times near Anthony, even practicing dry-firing the weapon without a magazine. However, at some point, the magazine was reinserted, leading to a tragic moment when he accidentally fired a single shot, fatally wounding his son.
When law enforcement arrived, they noted a strong smell of alcohol and observed marijuana in plain sight. Tests showed Zecca’s blood alcohol level to be 0.116, nearly twice the legal limit in Florida.
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk expressed condolences, stating, “This incident highlights the devastating tragedy caused by the combination of firearms, alcohol, and drugs. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this loss.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, Zecca’s family became concerned about his mental state, fearing he might harm himself if left alone; consequently, he was placed in psychiatric custody. The timeline of his discharge remains unclear.
Facing charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and use of a firearm while under the influence, Zecca could potentially face life in prison for the manslaughter charge alone.
Chapman’s lawyer commented on the situation, declaring it “a devastating tragedy for the family.” He emphasized that “Greg deeply loved his son, and this was a tragic accident that forever changed many lives, especially Anthony’s and Greg’s.”
Chapman married Zecca’s mother, Francie, in 2021, shortly after both experienced the loss of their spouses to cancer. The two families have since grown close, united by their faith and shared experiences of grief, not to mention Chapman’s adventurous bounty-hunting lifestyle.
Zecca has previously participated in Chapman’s bounty-hunting team, sharing many moments on social media of him and Anthony practicing shooting at a range. It’s worth noting that Chapman has 13 other children from various relationships.
In a separate incident, Chapman’s son, police officer Gary Chapman, was placed on leave following a high-speed chase that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old in Alabama. He subsequently filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the Priceville Police Department, which led to his reinstatement in October.
