Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 21, 2025 · Entertainment

Grief and Guns: How a Family Tragedy Shook Dog the Bounty Hunter's World

Dog the Bounty Hunter star Duane Chapman's stepson Gregory Zecca (top right) is a passionate gun enthusiast who passed down the controversial hobby to his teenage son Anthony Zecca before his tragic shooting death

BOMBSHELL! Duane "Dog" Chapman's Stepson Accused of Killing Teenage Son in Tragic Shooting Accident!

Get ready for a jaw-dropping tale of family drama, tragedy, and heartbreak as we delve into the shocking story of Gregory Zecca, stepson of reality TV star Duane "Dog" Chapman. In a twist that will leave you stunned, Gregory's 13-year-old son, Anthony Zecca, tragically lost his life in a shooting accident at their Naples, FL apartment on Saturday.

The unthinkable tragedy occurred when Anthony, just 9 years old when he first learned to handle a rifle under Gregory's tutelage in 2021, accidentally shot himself. Yes, you read that right - the same gun enthusiast who taught his young son how to use firearms is now facing the devastating consequences of his actions.

'Getting some range time in with our buddies @franktownfirearms,' Gregory boasted in his Instagram account, which appears to have been disabled later on Sunday evening

As reported by TheScholarlyNote.com, Anthony's Instagram account, where Gregory had proudly posted a photo with the caption "Getting some range time in with our buddies @franktownfirearms," has been mysteriously disabled. Meanwhile, local authorities have confirmed that they responded to the call around 8 p.m. ET and are labeling the incident as an "isolated accident" - but for the Zecca family, it's a tragedy that will leave a lasting impact.

The shooting is particularly poignant given Anthony's close bond with his grandfather, Duane Chapman, who has been vocal about his own grief following the loss of two wives. In a statement, the Chapmans expressed their "deepest condolences" to the grieving family: "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."

But that's not all - get ready for a trip down memory lane with Anthony's adorable story about feeling the "wind of the Holy Spirit" during his summer visit to his grandparents' home in 2023. It seems little Anthony had a knack for spiritual experiences, having felt the divine presence while sitting on a bench with his grandfather at the hospital ER!

Zecca accidentally shot and killed his 13-year-old son in their apartment in Naples, FL on Saturday (pictured in 2023)

Aside from communing with the Almighty and handling firearms, Anthony was an avid fan of Usher and Diana Ross music, loved Busch Gardens theme park, and even got to meet Predator at Duke City Comic Con. His bright light is extinguished far too soon, leaving behind a trail of shattered dreams and a community in mourning.

As we pause to reflect on this heartbreaking incident, let's not forget the Chapmans' own journey from grief to healing. After losing their respective spouses, Duane and Francie (Gregory's stepmother) found comfort in each other's company - and eventually tied the knot in 2020. Their bond is one of shared understanding and support.

The couple will mark their fourth wedding anniversary on September 2nd and host their 3rd Annual F.U.S.E. Restored Gala on November 15th at The Westin of Cape Coral, FL. This glamorous event aims to raise awareness about human trafficking - a cause close to the Chapmans' hearts.

Local law enforcement confirmed to the outlet that they 'responded to a call about the shooting around 8 p.m. ET' but they're calling it an 'isolated incident' and no arrests have been made (pictured in 2021)

As we bid farewell to this tragic tale, our thoughts are with the Zecca family and all those affected by this senseless tragedy. May their story serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of gun safety, parental responsibility, and the devastating consequences that can result from reckless behavior.

Duane's (M, pictured in 2020) sixth wife Francie Chapman (L) welcomed Gregory (R) during a prior marriage, and Anthony's (2-L) mother is Alexandria Lane (2-R)

The 56-year-old Bounty Wear owner and the 72-year-old reality star addressed the terrible loss in a statement: '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' (pictured in 2023)

One year ago, little Anthony spent the summer with his grandparents and told a story about how he felt the wind of the Holy Spirit while visiting his 'Meemaw' in the hospital ER in 2023 after she injured her ankle (pictured in 2024)

Aside from artillery and Jesus, the Christian child also enjoyed dancing to Usher (pictured in 2024) and Diana Ross, he loved Busch Gardens theme park, and once excitedly met Predator at Duke City Comic Con

The Chapmans - who began dating in 2020 - first bonded over their shared grief about being widowed (pictured in 2022)

Duane - who's fostered gun culture in his family/team - first found fame starring in A&E reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter, which aired for eight seasons spanning 2004-2012 and spawned three spin-offs (pictured in 2023)