Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Stepson Arrested Months After Accidental Teen Son Shooting

The stepson of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman, Gregory Anthony Zecca, was arrested on Tuesday. This arrest comes over six months after an incident that led to the accidental shooting death of his 13-year-old son, Anthony. The tragic event occurred during a UFC watch party at a friend’s apartment in Naples, Florida, on July 19.

Details of the Shooting Incident

Gregory Zecca, 39, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and using a firearm while under the influence. According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Zecca was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and marijuana during the incident. He reportedly had been drinking heavily throughout the day before the shooting.

• Zecca had a blood alcohol level of 0.116, nearly double the legal limit in Florida.
• Witnesses indicated that he was handling a firearm recklessly, practicing drawing it and dry-firing.
• The gun was accidentally discharged, fatally striking his son, Anthony.

Upon police arrival, they reported a strong odor of alcohol and saw marijuana in clear view. The investigation confirmed that Zecca had been both intoxicated and high when the shooting occurred. Following the incident, he was placed on a psychiatric hold because of concerns for his safety.

Legal Consequences

The charges against Gregory Zecca are serious. Aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm could lead to a life sentence in prison. The tragedy has deeply affected his family and led to statements from legal representatives expressing their condolences.

Joseph Lesniak, Zecca’s attorney, said, “We believe Greg loved his son deeply, and that this was a tragic accident.”

Family Background

Gregory’s mother, Francie Frane, married Duane Chapman in 2021. The couple bonded over their experiences with loss and shared faith. Gregory has been involved in Chapman’s bounty hunting lifestyle and has shared images of him and Anthony practicing shooting at gun ranges.

Dog the Bounty Hunter has 13 other children from previous relationships. His family dynamics have often been complex, marked by both triumphs and tragedies.

Related Incidents

In September, another family tragedy unfolded when Duane’s son, Garry Chapman, was involved in a high-speed chase that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old boy. Garry briefly lost his job but was reinstated after filing a wrongful termination lawsuit.

The recent events underscore the profound implications of mixing firearms, substances, and emotional turmoil within a family, which has now faced multiple heart-wrenching challenges.