"Dog the Bounty Hunter’s" Grandson Anthony Zecca, 13, Fatally Shot in Accidental Tragedy – What Really Happened

Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman’s 13-year-old grandson Anthony Zecca was tragically killed in a firearm accident involving his father Gregory Zecca. Read the full story behind the heartbreaking family incident

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT6sWTyh9Og

Introduction

In a tragic accident on the evening of Saturday, July 19, 2025, at around 8:00 p.m. local time, 13-year-old Anthony Zecca, grandson of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman, was accidentally shot and killed by his biological father, 34-year-old Gregory Zecca, who is Chapman’s stepson.

The shooting occurred in an apartment in Naples, Collier County, Florida. Page Six

How the Incident Unfolded

Authorities from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly to the shooting call and found Anthony critically wounded inside the apartment. He was rushed to a hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. ndtv.com

Gregory Zecca, visibly distraught, was discovered at the scene with the firearm. The sheriff’s office has described the event as an “isolated incident” and a “freak accident”. As of now, no arrests, charges, or further legal action have been reported, while the investigation remains open. The Independent

Family Reactions

Chapman and his wife Francie released a joint statement via their publicist, expressing profound grief and requesting prayers and privacy:

“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.” Page Six

The Chapman–Zecca Family Context

• Duane “Dog” Chapman, born February 2, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, rose to fame through reality series such as Dog the Bounty Hunter, Dog and Beth: On the Hunt, and Dog’s Most Wanted. Father to 13 children from multiple relationships. Page Six

  
  

• Francie Frane, a rancher from Colorado, has been Chapman’s wife since 2021. She lost her husband Bob to cancer in 2018. Page Six

  
  

• Gregory Zecca, 34, is Francie’s son from a previous marriage. He is part of Chapman’s bounty-hunting team, hosts the Beyond the Bounty podcast, owns a small business, and appeared on Beware of Dog. He lived in Colorado but was staying at the Naples apartment where the fatal accident occurred. People.com

  
  

• Anthony Zecca, 13, was close with his family and often posted in photos with his father at shooting ranges. Images from 2021 resurfaced after the tragedy. Page Six

  
  

Source: OK magazine

Series Featuring the Chapmans & Dog the Bounty Hunter

The series Dog the Bounty Hunter, Dog and Beth: On the Hunt, and Dog’s Most Wanted showcase the professional operations and family dynamics of the Chapman family in the world of bounty hunting:

• Dog the Bounty Hunter (A&E, 2004–2012) follows Duane “Dog” Chapman and his team as they track down fugitives who have violated bail conditions. The main cast includes Duane, his wife Beth, sons Leland and Duane Lee Jr., and daughter Lyssa (“Baby Lyssa”), who actively joins the manhunts.

  
  

• Dog and Beth: On the Hunt (CMT, 2013–2015) features Dog and Beth, along with their son Leland and grandson Dakota, as they travel across the U.S. advising and assisting struggling bail bond agencies. Leland plays a key role as Duane’s right-hand man, while Dakota makes his first appearance in the family business.

  
  

• Dog’s Most Wanted (WGN America, 2019) follows Duane, Beth, and their team as they pursue the country’s most-wanted fugitives, selected by their own criteria, all while Beth battles a cancer diagnosis. Leland, Cecily, David Robinson, and other family members participate in investigations and arrests of dangerous criminals.

Each series offers an intimate look into the family’s deep connection, professional tactics, and the personal challenges the Chapmans face as a team balancing duty and emotional family bonds.

Conclusion

This heart-wrenching tragedy underscores the grave dangers of firearm presence in environments with children, even when handling is by experienced adults.

While Anthony did not fire the weapon himself, from a young age he was in close proximity to firearms, influenced by a family culture that embraced shooting sports.

The responsibility lies heavily on guardians to ensure that firearms are always stored securely and out of children’s reach, especially in family homes.

In this case, Gregory, tasked with protecting Anthony, unwittingly caused the unimaginable. No sentence or headline can reverse this outcome, but it is a tragic call to action. Every firearm in a household must be stored with absolute precaution. A culture that normalizes casual handling without strict safety practices invites disaster.

“Join the conversation—share your thoughts on child firearm safety and family responsibility.”

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