Gregory Anthony Zecca, the stepson of reality TV star Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman, has been arrested on suspicion of killing his 13-year-old son, Anthony.
The fatal incident, which occurred on July 19, 2025, took place at a friend’s apartment in Naples, Florida, where Zecca and his son were watching a UFC fight.
Tragic Shooting During UFC Watch Party
According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the 39-year-old had been drinking heavily throughout the day and had also consumed marijuana, Naples News reported.
Witnesses reported that they saw the suspect repeatedly handling a firearm in front of his son, practicing drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing it, an activity in which the gun was initially unloaded.
However, at some point during the evening, the firearm was reloaded with a live round. Authorities say that Zecca accidentally discharged the weapon, fatally striking his son.
Deputies who arrived at the scene noted the strong odor of alcohol and observed marijuana in plain view.
Toxicology reports later revealed that Zecca’s blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.116, nearly double the legal driving limit.
Zecca Arrested After Thorough Investigation
Zecca was arrested on a Collier County Sheriff's Office warrant, charging him with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence.
The arrest followed a six-month investigation, which included witness statements, forensic testing, subpoenas, and search warrants.
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk called the tragedy "heartbreaking and preventable" and praised the diligent work of the detectives.
"Our detectives conducted an exhaustive and thorough investigation, examining every element of what happened through witness statements, forensic testing, subpoenas, search warrants, and more," they said.
"I commend their hard work and professionalism in uncovering the facts in an incredibly difficult case," Rambosk added.
Family’s Reaction and Legal Support
Gregory is the son of Francie Frane, Duane Chapman’s wife, whom he married in 2021 after both had experienced the loss of their spouses to cancer.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Chapman family, with Zecca's attorney offering a statement describing the incident as "a devastating family tragedy".
"We believe Greg loved his son deeply, and that this was a tragic accident - one that has left many lives permanently changed, especially Anthony’s, and Greg’s," the attorney, Joseph Lesniak, stated, per TMZ.
Zecca, who had also been involved in his stepfather’s bounty hunting business, had been placed on a psychiatric hold shortly after the shooting, with the family stating at the time that it was due to grief and not because of any perceived criminal guilt.