Naples, Florida — In a heart-wrenching incident that has stunned fans of Duane “Dog” Chapman, his stepson, Gregory Zecca, reportedly shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony Zecca, in what authorities are calling a “tragic accident.”
The shooting occurred on the evening of Saturday, July 19, at Zecca’s apartment in Naples, Florida. According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to a call around 8 p.m., confirming the tragic event as an “isolated incident.” No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Family Statement: “Incomprehensible, Tragic Accident”
In a statement released through a family representative, Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife Francie Chapman expressed their devastation:
“We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible, tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony.”
The family has requested privacy as they process the loss of their young grandson.
A Bond Over Bounty Hunting and Firearms
Gregory Zecca, who is Francie’s son from a previous marriage, worked closely with Duane Chapman as part of his bounty hunting team. Their bond extended beyond the professional—Gregory and Anthony reportedly shared a passion for firearms. Images from Zecca’s social media show the father-son duo visiting shooting ranges as far back as 2021.
It remains unclear how the incident unfolded, but sources indicate the shooting may have occurred while handling a firearm at home. Officials have not confirmed the exact circumstances, but initial findings suggest the shooting was accidental.
Dog the Bounty Hunter: A Life in the Spotlight
Duane Chapman, widely known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, rose to fame in the early 2000s after capturing fugitive Andrew Luster in Mexico. His hit reality series, Dog the Bounty Hunter, ran from 2004 to 2012, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Chapman has since appeared in spinoffs like Dog and Beth: On the Hunt and Dog’s Most Wanted.
Over his decades-long career, Chapman claims to have captured over 10,000 fugitives. His personal life has also been widely publicized—he has 13 children from multiple relationships and has endured the loss of his wife Beth Chapman to cancer in 2019.
️ A Tragedy Echoing Nationwide
The accidental shooting has reignited discussions around gun safety and storage, particularly in homes with minors. Advocacy groups have urged families to be cautious and proactive about firearm education, especially when children are present.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how the firearm was accessed and whether any safety measures were bypassed. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has not released further updates as of now.
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Final Thoughts
This tragedy is a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change. A family well-known in the public eye is now privately mourning a devastating loss. The story of Anthony Zecca should serve not only as a moment of grief but also as a call for safer gun practices and public awareness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chapman and Zecca families during this unthinkable time.