Full Breakdown
Tragic Shooting of 13-Year-Old Anthony Zecca: A Family's Heartbreak
2/11/2026, 6:04:08 AM
Court Proceedings and Charges Against Gregory Zecca
On February 10, 2026, Gregory Zecca, 39, appeared in a Collier County courtroom for a pretrial detention hearing regarding the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old son, Anthony. Zecca has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence. He was ordered to be held on a $500,000 bond. The incident occurred on July 19, 2025, in Naples, Florida, where investigators allege that Zecca had been drinking for several hours while handling a firearm in his son's presence.
According to the investigation, Zecca had been at a local establishment before continuing to drink and use marijuana while watching a UFC fight with Anthony at a friend's house. During this time, he allegedly practiced drawing a firearm, which had initially been rendered safe. However, at some point, the magazine was reinserted, and a round was chambered, leading to the tragic discharge that fatally struck Anthony. A toxicology report estimated Zecca's blood alcohol level at the time of the shooting to be approximately 0.116, nearly twice the legal limit for driving.
Emotional Impact on the Chapman Family
Dog the Bounty Hunter, whose real name is Duane Chapman, and his wife, Francie, were present in the courtroom, visibly emotional as they faced the gravity of the situation. The family has expressed their deep sorrow over the incident, with Francie's attorney, Joseph Lesniak, describing it as a "devastating family tragedy." He emphasized that Gregory "loved his son deeply" and characterized the shooting as a tragic accident that has irrevocably changed many lives.
The tragedy has also drawn attention from local authorities. Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk stated, "This case underscores the devastating tragedy that can result from mixing firearms, alcohol, and drugs," expressing condolences to all affected by the loss.
Background and Family Dynamics
Gregory Zecca is the biological son of Francie Chapman from a previous marriage, making him Dog the Bounty Hunter's stepson. The family has a history of shared loss, as Dog began dating Francie after the death of his fifth wife, Beth Smith, in 2019. Francie lost her husband, Bob Frane, in 2018. Their shared experiences of grief have reportedly brought them closer together.
Anthony was remembered fondly by family members for his strong faith and had previously shared experiences with his father, including learning to use firearms at a young age. In 2021, Gregory posted images on social media of their time at a shooting range, highlighting their bond.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the investigation has provided substantial details regarding the circumstances of the shooting, there remains a lack of clarity on specific events leading up to the incident. The exact timeline of Gregory's actions and the moments before the firearm was discharged are still under scrutiny.
Verbatim Quotes
- "This was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy." — Kevin Rambosk, Collier County Sheriff
- "We believe Greg loved his son deeply and that this was a tragic accident." — Joseph Lesniak, Attorney for Francie Chapman
The tragic shooting of Anthony Zecca has cast a long shadow over the Chapman family, prompting discussions about the responsibilities associated with firearm ownership, particularly in the presence of minors.
