Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman’s stepson, Gregory Zecca, has been arrested and now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison after authorities say he shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony, on July 19, 2025.
Florida’s Collier County Sheriff’s Office posted an update on the investigation to Facebook on Tuesday, announcing that 39-year-old Zecca was taken into custody and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child involving a firearm, as well as using a firearm while intoxicated. The aggravated manslaughter count carries a potential sentence of life behind bars.
Investigators allege that Zecca was intoxicated when the fatal shot was fired. According to the sheriff’s office, Zecca spent several hours drinking at a local bar, bought more alcohol afterward, and later consumed both alcohol and marijuana at a friend’s home where he and his son were reportedly watching a UFC fight on television.
Officials say that, inside the residence, Zecca repeatedly handled a handgun in front of the child, practicing drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing. Although police state the weapon had initially been made safe by removing the magazine and clearing a live round from the chamber, they allege that at some point the magazine was reinserted and a round chambered; Zecca then fired a single shot that struck and killed Anthony.
Deputies responding to the scene reported detecting the odor of alcohol on Zecca and observing marijuana in plain view. Detectives later determined Zecca’s blood-alcohol concentration was about 0.116 at the time of the shooting — roughly one and a half times the legal driving limit of 0.08.
“This was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in a statement. He praised detectives for conducting a thorough inquiry, noting the investigation included witness interviews, forensic testing, subpoenas, search warrants and other measures to piece together the events.
Rambosk added that the case highlights the deadly risks when guns are combined with alcohol and drugs, and extended sympathy to everyone affected by the loss.
Following the shooting, Duane Chapman and his wife Francie — who is Zecca’s mother — issued a joint statement through TMZ, saying the family is in deep mourning over an “incomprehensible tragic accident” and asking for continued prayers as they grieve the death of their grandson, Anthony.
Hi, I’m Emily, a passionate and dedicated member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a keen eye for detail and a love for writing, I ensure that the latest celebrity news, major economic trends, and helpful tips for your home are presented in the most engaging and informative way possible. Fun fact: During a particularly exciting news story, I once managed to finish an article in record time, fueled solely by copious amounts of coffee and pure adrenaline!
