Key Highlights
- Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman’s stepson arrested six months after accidentally killing his 13-year-old son.
- The shooting occurred during a UFC watch party at a friend’s apartment in Naples, Florida.
- Zecca was reportedly drunk and high when he mistakenly shot his son with a firearm.
- This case highlights the dangers of mixing firearms, alcohol, and drugs.
The Tragedy of Zecca’s Mistake
Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman’s stepson, Gregory Anthony Zecca, was arrested on Tuesday for accidentally killing his 13-year-old son, Anthony, in July. The timeline is stark and tragic: six months after the incident, justice finally seems to be catching up.
The Circumstances of the Shooting
Zecca, 39, was drinking heavily throughout the day and eventually consumed marijuana while watching UFC at a friend’s apartment in Naples, Florida. His actions that night were a perfect storm: he brandished his firearm several times, including practicing drawing it from his waistband with no magazine in the chamber. At some point, however, the magazine was inserted back into the chamber.
In that moment of recklessness and impaired judgment, Zecca discharged a single shot, fatally striking Anthony.
When police arrived, they immediately noted a strong odor of alcohol and saw marijuana laid out in plain view. Zecca’s blood-alcohol level was a staggering 0.116, nearly twice the legal limit in Florida. This case underscores that devastating tragedy that can result from mixing firearms, alcohol, and drugs.
A Devastating Family Loss
Chapman married Zecca’s mother, Francie Frane, in 2021 following the loss of their respective spouses to cancer. The two families bonded over shared Christian faith, grief journeys, and Chapman’s gun-toting bounty hunter lifestyle. Zecca even joined Chapman’s bounty team and shared posts of himself and Anthony practicing at gun ranges on social media.
After the fatal shooting, Zecca was placed under a psychiatric hold due to family concerns that he might try to take his own life if left unattended. The incident has left many lives permanently changed, especially those of Anthony’s and Zecca’s.
The Legal Consequences
Zeccas’ legal situation is severe: he was charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence. This charge alone could land him in prison for life. Chapman’s attorney, Joseph Lesniak, expressed concern, stating that “Greg loved his son deeply, and that this was a tragic accident—one that has left many lives permanently changed.” Zecca faces an uphill battle to navigate the legal system.
This case is a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with owning firearms, especially when combined with substance abuse. It’s a cautionary tale for all gun owners about the dangers lurking in moments of impaired judgment.
