Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Heartbreaking Tragedy: Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Chapman's Step-Grandson Shot by Father

Dog the Bounty Hunter alum Duane Chapman and his sixth wife Francie suffered a family tragedy on Saturday night

SHOCKING TRAGEDY ROCKS BOUNTY HUNTER STAR DUANE CHAPMAN'S FAMILY: GRANDSON KILLED IN FREAK ACCIDENT

In a devastating turn of events, Duane Chapman, star of the hit reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter, and his wife Francie have suffered an unimaginable family tragedy. Their 13-year-old grandson, Anthony Zecca, was senselessly gunned down by his own father, leaving the Chapmans reeling in grief.

According to sources close to the family, Anthony's tragic death occurred at their Naples, Florida apartment, where he was shot and killed by Gregory Zecca, Francie's 38-year-old son from a previous marriage. The shocking incident has left law enforcement scrambling to piece together what happened, with no arrests made so far.

The 72-year-old reality star's (L) 13-year-old step-grandson Anthony Zecca (M, pictured in 2022) was accidentally shot and killed by his own father, Gregory Zecca (R), at their apartment in Naples, FL

But what makes this tragedy even more heart-wrenching is the fact that Anthony's father, who collaborated with Duane on his bounty hunting team, accidentally pulled the trigger. As thescholarlynote.com reported earlier this year, Gregory Zecca has a history of gun enthusiasm, proudly sharing photos of himself and his late son getting "range time in" with their rifles just last year.

The Chapmans' bond was forged in tragedy when they first met while grieving the loss of their spouses. Duane had lost his fifth wife, Beth Smith, to stage II throat cancer in 2019, while Francie had suffered the loss of her husband Bob Frane in 2018. Their shared pain brought them together, and they have since celebrated three years of marriage.

The couple's love story is one for the ages. After meeting in 2020, they quickly became each other's rock, supporting each other through their darkest hours. As Francie told ET in a heart-wrenching interview, "We understood the pain that the other one was feeling, and [in] those tough days and moments, we helped each other stand up."

38-year-old Gregory (pictured in 2021) - who's Francie's son from a prior marriage - reportedly works with Duane on his bounty hunting team

Their love has only grown stronger since then, with the couple set to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary on September 2. In November, they will host their 3rd Annual F.U.S.E. Restored Gala in Cape Coral, Florida, a glamorous human trafficking benefit that promises to be an unforgettable night.

But for now, the Chapmans are reeling from the devastating loss of Anthony, who left an indelible mark on their lives. As fans of Dog the Bounty Hunter know, Duane has always been a man of strong convictions and unwavering dedication to his family. This tragedy will undoubtedly test his resolve, but it's clear that he will face this challenge head-on, just as he has faced countless others throughout his illustrious career.

As thescholarlynote.com continues to follow this developing story, our thoughts are with Duane, Francie, and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Local law enforcement called the freak accident an 'isolated incident' and no arrests have been made, but they confirmed to the outlet they 'responded to a call about the shooting around 8pm ET' (pictured in 2021)

Chapman (R, pictured in 2024) and the 56-year-old Bounty Wear owner (L) said 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'

Zecca was a gun enthusiast, and he proudly shared snaps of 'getting some range time in' with his son and their rifle back in 2021

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 and attending local Comic Con conventions (pictured in 2021)