Dog the Bounty Hunter's step-son arrested for allegedly shooting 13-year-old son dead

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Dog the Bounty Hunter's step-son arrested for allegedly shooting 13-year-old son dead

The Collier County Sheriff has said this was a 'preventable tragedy'

The step-son of Dog the Bounty Hunter has been arrested and charged following the shooting of his 13-year-old son last summer.

Gregory Zecca, 39, son of Francie Chapman and step-son of Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman, now faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence.

Zecca’s son, 13-year-old Anthony, died of a single gunshot wound on July 19 2025 in Naples, Florida.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has said Zecca could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Country sheriff Kevin Rambosk also said the situation is ‘heartbreaking and [a] preventable tragedy.’

He added: “[Detectives] conducted an exhaustive and thorough investigation, examining every element of what happened through witness statements, forensic testing, subpoenas, search warrants and more.

“I commend their hard work and professionalism in uncovering the facts in an incredibly difficult case.

“This case underscores that devastating tragedy that can result from mixing firearms, alcohol and drugs. Our hearts are with everyone affected by this loss.”

Francie and Dog seen with Anthony (Instagram/franciedogchapman)
Francie and Dog seen with Anthony (Instagram/franciedogchapman)

Authorities believe that Zecca had been drinking at a local establishment for several hours prior to the shooting.

They also believe he bought additional alcohol and continued to drink and smoke marijuana while at a friend's house with his son present.

According to a statement from Collier County Sheriff’s Office, officers believe that Zecca handled a firearm in the child’s presence and had practiced drawing it from his waistband and dry firing.

The statement read: “The firearm had initially been rendered safe by removing the magazine and clearing a live round from the chamber.”

However, police have said ‘the magazine was reinserted and a round chambered, and Gregory discharged a single shot, fatally striking the child.’

Authorities believe Gregory Zecca had been drinking for hours prior to the shooting (The Collier Country Sheriff)
Authorities believe Gregory Zecca had been drinking for hours prior to the shooting (The Collier Country Sheriff)

When officers arrived on the scene they smelt alcohol and saw marijuana and obtained two search warrants in order to get Zecca’s medical records and a blood draw.

The tests conducted from the sample found that Zecca’s blood alcohol level was approximately 0.116 during the shooting, which is almost twice the legal limit to drive a car in Florida.

Sheriff officials say they were able to conclude that Zecca was impaired by alcohol.

Dog the Bounty Hunter's attorney Joseph Lesniak has spoken out about the incident and said the case ‘remains a devastating family tragedy.’

He added: “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.”

Featured Image Credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images

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