Dog the Bounty Hunter’s stepson, Gregory Zecca, allegedly shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony, in a “tragic accident,” TMZ reported.
Newsweek contacted the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Dog the Bounty Hunter’s representative for comment on Monday via email outside regular working hours.
The Context
Dog the Bounty Hunter—whose real name is Duane Chapman—rose to fame in 2004 following the premiere of his reality television show Dog the Bounty Hunter. On the series, Chapman hunted down lawbreakers who skipped bail.
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images; Francie Chapman/Instagram
What To Know
The incident took place at an apartment in Naples, Florida, on Saturday, TMZ reported.
Law enforcement officials confirmed to the outlet that they responded to a call around 8 p.m. Authorities said it was an “isolated incident,” and no arrests have been made.
Duane Chapman is a father to 13 children from six relationships. Zecca is the son of his wife, Francie Chapman. The couple got married in 2021 following the death of his fifth wife, Beth Chapman (née Smith). She died in 2019 after being diagnosed with throat cancer.
The reality TV star had his son Christopher with then-girlfriend Debbie White. He had sons Duane Lee II and Leland with his first wife, La Fonda Sue Darnall (née Honeycutt). He had James, Wesley and late son Zebadiah with his second wife, Anne Tegnell. He had Lyssa, Tucker and late daughter Barbara with his third wife, Lyssa Rae Brittain (née Greene). He did not have children with his fourth wife, Tawny Marie Chapman. He had Bonnie and Garry with his late fifth wife, Beth Chapman, and adopted her daughter Cecily.
In 2023, Duane Chapman learned he had another son, whose birthday coincided with the anniversary of Beth Chapman’s death.
“For the last four years, this day was a terrible reminder of one of the greatest losses of my life. But God redeemed this day when I discovered my son Jon, who I just met recently, was born on this day,” the reality television star wrote via Instagram at the time. “So now instead of sorrow, this day has a new meaning. This is my son Jon and his wife Jodi.”
He continued: “The whole story of Jon is told in my new book, Nine Lives and Counting, coming SOON. For anyone who has suffered a terrible loss please know God restores and redeems. Happy birthday son, love you both.”
Just over one year ago, Francie Chapman posted a video on Instagram of Duane Chapman and Anthony dancing to Usher’s 2004 hit “Yeah!”
“Happy Monday!!!! We had the best weekend celebrating our grandson Anthony at the @usnavyblueangels event for his birthday!!!!” she wrote on July 15, 2004. “Here’s what being on the road looks like with Memaw and Grandpa.”
What People Are Saying
In a statement to TMZ, Duane and Francie Chapman said: “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.”
What Happens Next
An investigation into the matter is ongoing.