A shadow fell over the Chapman family last year, a tragedy described as incomprehensible. Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman and his wife, Francie, found themselves grappling with the sudden loss of their 13-year-old grandson, Anthony Zecca.
The circumstances surrounding Anthony’s death were initially reported as a tragic accident, involving his father, Gregory Zecca. Zecca, Francie’s son from a previous marriage, allegedly shot his son during a UFC watch party at a friend’s apartment in Naples, Florida.
In the immediate aftermath, the family revealed Zecca was placed on a psychiatric hold, fueled by overwhelming grief and the fear he might harm himself. The weight of the loss was immense, a pain felt deeply by everyone connected to them.
Now, six months later, the investigation has concluded, and Gregory Zecca has been arrested. He faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence – accusations that paint a far more complex picture than a simple accident.
Investigators determined Zecca had been consuming alcohol heavily throughout the day, and also ingested marijuana while watching the fight with his son. The atmosphere reportedly included reckless behavior, with Zecca repeatedly handling his firearm.
Witnesses stated Zecca was seen practicing drawing his gun from his waistband, even dry-firing it with no ammunition loaded. Tragically, a magazine was later inserted, and a single shot was discharged, striking and fatally wounding Anthony.
Responding officers noted the unmistakable smell of alcohol and the presence of marijuana in plain view. A blood test revealed Zecca’s blood alcohol level was 0.116 – almost double Florida’s legal limit.
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk emphasized the devastating consequences of combining firearms, alcohol, and drugs. He described the case as a “heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” highlighting the thoroughness of the investigation.
Detectives meticulously examined every detail, from witness statements to forensic evidence, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the truth. The Sheriff commended their dedication in navigating such a profoundly difficult case.
The charges against Zecca carry the potential for a life sentence. His attorney maintains the incident was a tragic accident, emphasizing Zecca’s deep love for his son and the permanent impact this has had on all involved.
Dog Chapman married Francie Frane in 2021, finding love after both had experienced the loss of their previous partners to cancer. Zecca had even joined his stepfather’s bounty hunting team, and social media showed him and Anthony together at gun ranges.
The family had initially stated Zecca’s psychiatric hold was due to grief, not guilt. However, the evidence presented by law enforcement paints a starkly different narrative, one of reckless actions and devastating consequences.
This tragedy adds another layer of sorrow to a family already familiar with hardship. Chapman’s son, Garry Chapman, faced a brief dismissal from the police force last year following a high-speed chase that resulted in a fatality, though he was later reinstated after filing a lawsuit.
The loss of Anthony Zecca is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of choices made under the influence. It’s a tragedy that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on all who knew him and his family.
