Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman is mourning the devastating loss of his 13-year-old step-grandson, Anthony Zecca, who was accidentally shot and killed by his father, Gregory Zecca, on July 19, 2025. The incident occurred in their apartment in Naples, Florida, and has left the Chapman family in deep grief.
Who Is Dog the Bounty Hunter?
Duane “Dog” Chapman (born February 2, 1953, in Denver, Colorado) is a renowned American bounty hunter and reality TV personality, best known for his A&E series Dog the Bounty Hunter. Chapman joined an outlaw motorcycle club at 15, later became a bail bondsman and started tracking fugitives in the late 1990s. His dramatic capture of Andrew Luster in Mexico in 2003 brought him into the spotlight. As of 2025, he has captured over 10,000 fugitives and hosted multiple spinoffs, cementing his place in pop culture.
Chapman has been married five times and is father to 13 children from various relationships . His late wife Beth Chapman (2006–2019) co-starred with him on TV until her death from throat cancer in 2019. In 2021, he married Francie Frane, a former rancher, philanthropy advocate, and fellow widow. They share a blended family, including Francie’s son Gregory Zecca.
Stepson Accidentally Kills 13-Year-Old Son
On the evening of July 19, 2025, tragedy struck when Chapman’s stepson, Gregory Zecca, accidentally shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony, at their Naples, Florida home. Responding to an 8 p.m. call, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident and called it an “isolated incident.” No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Family’s Response
In a joint statement to TMZ, Chapman and Francie described the event as an “incomprehensible, tragic accident” and asked for privacy and prayers during this heartbreaking time. Gregory, who works with Chapman in bounty hunting and is known to be a firearm enthusiast, had taken his son to the shooting range on occasion, but the fatal incident was unintentional.
This devastating loss compounds a history of tragedy for Chapman’s family. In 2006, his daughter Barbara died in a car accident. Many of Chapman’s children grew up under media exposure via his TV series, as his family often appeared on-camera.
The Chapmans have consistently shared faith-based support and public expressions of grief in the face of hardship. Duane and Francie bonded over the loss of their previous spouses—he after Beth in 2019, and she after her husband Bob in 2018—later marrying in 2021.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are treating the shooting as accidental and continue a full investigation, including forensic analysis of the weapon and witness interviews. Gregory remains cooperative with law enforcement. A final determination regarding criminal charges will follow after autopsy and analysis are completed.
The accident has prompted renewed discussions on firearm safety, particularly in homes where children and enthusiasts interact with guns. Gregory’s regular use of firearms—evidenced by shared photos of range visits—highlighted the hazards even though the act was unintended.
Safety advocates stress the importance of secure gun storage and rigorous supervision to avoid such tragedies.
Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with messages of condolence. Many note the Chapmans’ history of resilience, remembering earlier losses such as Barbara’s death and Beth’s battle with cancer.
Faith leaders and colleagues in the bounty hunting community have offered support, framing the family’s focus on healing, grace, and intention to become advocates for gun safety.
Officials await the autopsy and investigative findings to make any legal determinations. Meanwhile, the Chapmans are considering establishing new initiatives tied to gun safety and accident prevention as a tribute to Anthony. They have emphasized that they will maintain privacy as they grieve and seek answers.
This tragic incident marks one of the darkest chapters for Dog the Bounty Hunter and his blended family. While Chapman is known for his toughness and public persona, beneath the surface lies a father and grandfather grappling with profound loss. The hope is that from this tragedy, awareness, prevention, and healing may emerge, honoring Anthony’s memory and protecting others from similar heartbreak.
