Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Step-Grandson Tragically Killed in Naples Shooting, TMZ Reports
UPDATE: Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Family ‘DEVASTATED’ Over Shooting Death of His Step-Grandson in Naples, Fla. was originally published on JVNA.io.ng on 2024-07-21T14:06:33+05:30 by newsroom. WATCH – Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Family DEVASTATED Over Shooting Death Of His Step-Grandson In Naples, FL. ATLANTA, GA (JV News Nation)- The family of reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter is reportedly in mourning following the tragic accidental shooting death of his step-grandson. The shocking incident was reported to have occurred in Naples, Florida and has sent shockwaves throughout the community and the show’s fanbase. Gregory Zecca was the victim of the fatal shooting. We at JV News Nation are your reliable source for breaking news, and we are committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information regarding this heartbreaking incident. Follow this space for the latest updates as we continue to cover the story.
Key Takeaways
- Anthony Zecca, the step-grandson of Dog the Bounty Hunter, was accidentally shot and killed by his father, Gregory Zecca in Naples, Florida, on July 19, 2025.
- TMZ reports that the shooting was a “freak accident,” and no arrests have been made in the shooting as the Collier County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating.
- Dog Bounty Hunter and his wife, Francie Frane, are mourning the loss of the young boy, and have asked for prayers and privacy in this “dark hour.”
- The shooting has some critics questioning gun safety, as Gregory Zecca is known to be an avid gun fan.
Teen Son Shot and Killed By Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Stepson in Naples, Florida
Late last night, on July 19, 2025, tragedy struck an apartment complex in East Naples, Florida, when Gregory Zecca, the stepson of reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter (real name Duane Chapman), accidentally shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony Zecca, in what officials are calling an “isolated incident.” The incident was reported to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office near 8 p.m. ET, after responding officers confirmed a single fatality but did not release further information, including the identities of the deceased and shooter, until the investigation was complete. As of now, no arrests have been made and the investigation is still active.
Dog Bounty Hunter, most widely known for his reality TV series following his bounty hunter escapades, as well as hosting his own spin-off series, is an infamous household name who was previously a long-time resident of Marco Island, Florida, with his wife Francie Frane. Dog and Francie tied the knot in 2021 after both of their spouses had previously passed away due to cancer, and are now mourning the loss of their grandchild. A family representative spoke to TMZ following the incident, saying, “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.”
Who Was Anthony Zecca?
Anthony Zecca was the son of Gregory Zecca and the step-grandson of Dog the Bounty Hunter. Anthony was 13 years old and the Chapman family described him as a “spirited” young boy. He loved to dance to singers like Usher, and he attended local Comic Con events in his area and had a photo opportunity with a Predator character. In 2024, Anthony shared a story about a meaningful experience he had when he felt “the wind of the Holy Spirit” while sitting by his grandmother in the hospital. Anthony’s passing has left a hole in the Chapman family and their tight-knit community in Southwest Florida.
Gun-loving Gregory Zecca allegedly involved in his son’s accidental death
The alleged shooter in the incident is Gregory Zecca, a 38-year-old, the son of Francie Frane by a previous marriage. He is also a co-worker of Dog the Bounty Hunter on his bounty hunting team. Reports have noted that Zecca had shown great interest in guns as he has posted photos of himself and his son Anthony practicing their shooting range in 2021 on his social media pages. The photos have since taken on a morbid tone due to the shocking tragedy that has happened this time. Details about the shooting itself have not been released such as the type of gun used and how the accident unfolded, but the investigation into the cause has raised concerns about gun safety in the home.
Fans pay tribute to the memory of Beth Chapman
The Chapman family has not been immune to loss over the years, as the late Beth Chapman, Duane’s previous wife and co-star on the Dog the Bounty Hunter show, had died in 2019. She passed away due to throat cancer after a brave and valiant fight. Beth had been a force to be reckoned with in the early seasons of the show, often participating in the hunts and displaying great courage and compassion. She is not directly related to this story, of course, but has certainly been a part of the Chapman family history and fans on social media have taken to her memory with their condolences for the family, with some relating her strength in times of crisis during her life. The Chapman family, and Duane in particular, has had to face adversity in recent years and the loss of his son Anthony will be a fresh and painful blow for him.
Community and Fan Reactions
Dog Bounty Hunter and Francie are familiar figures in Naples and Marco Island, and the community has expressed their support for the family. X posts about the incident show the community’s shock and grief over the accidental shooting. “Dog the Bounty Hunter’s step-grandson accidentally shot to death in Naples, TMZ says” ( Naples Daily News ), is a tweet from @KatKanDew, who attached the NDN article to their post. “Awful accident in Naples, freak accident,” chucklechopsx posted, and “his mom & family are DESTROYED!” The incident has sparked conversations about gun safety and responsible ownership, with some users questioning whether proper safety measures were in place. Gregory Zecca was a known gun enthusiast and collector, but the reports have not suggested Zecca’s negligence of gun safety rules, and it is only an investigation.
Could there be more to this story?
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has deemed the shooting an “isolated incident” and is looking into the incident. No arrests have been made so far, but officials are likely to investigate how the gun was fired. Dog the Bounty Hunter and Francie have asked for privacy while they grieve over the loss, and it is unknown if the tragedy will affect Duane’s current projects and public appearances.
JV News Nation will continue to monitor this story and update it as more information becomes available. Our senior editor, JV Charles, only assigns the highest standard of trustworthiness and expertise when it comes to our reporting. This means breaking news you can count on.
FAQ
What has happened to Dog the Bounty Hunter’s step-grandson?
Dog the Bounty Hunter’s step-grandson, 13-year-old Anthony Zecca, has died after being accidentally shot by his father, Gregory Zecca. The tragic incident happened on July 19, 2025, in an apartment located in Naples, Florida. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is looking into what happened.
Who is Gregory Zecca?
Gregory Zecca is Dog the Bounty Hunter’s stepson. He is the son of Francie Frane’s first marriage. Zecca is also part of Duane Chapman’s bounty hunting team and he is known to be a gun enthusiast.
How is Dog the Bounty Hunter dealing with the situation?
Dog Bounty Hunter is currently mourning the loss of his step-grandson, Anthony. A representative for the family shared the statement on behalf of Dog the Bounty Hunter and Francie asking for prayers and privacy, according to TMZ.
Was Beth Chapman part of this case?
No, this is not related to Beth Chapman’s case as she passed away in 2019. Beth Chapman was Duane’s first wife and they share two children together. Her story is, however, a big part of the Chapman family.
How far has the investigation gone?
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they are looking into the shooting and that it is an “isolated incident.” As of July 21, 2025, no arrests have been made.
Reference
- Naples Daily News, “Dog the Bounty Hunter’s step-grandson accidentally shot to death in Naples, TMZ says,” July 20, 2025.
- TMZ, “Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Step-Grandson Accidentally Shot and Killed by Father,” July 20, 2025.
- The Independent, “Dog the Bounty Hunter’s teen step grandson killed by his dad in accidental shooting: report,” July 21, 2025.
- Daily Mail Online, “Dog the Bounty Hunter’s grandson is shot dead at 13 by father in heartbreaking tragedy,” July 20, 2025.
- Posts on X, July 20-21, 2025.
