Dog the Bounty Hunter grandson, Anthony, accidentally killed — these seven words at the beginning of this post are not just chilling headlines—they mark a devastating moment for Duane “Dog” Chapman and his blended family, as tragedy struck in Naples, Florida, on July 19, 2025.
Dog the Bounty Hunter step-grandson Anthony accidentally killed — What We Know So Far.
On Saturday evening, around 8 p.m., Collier County deputies responded to a call from an apartment in Naples, FL. There, 34‑year‑old Gregory Zecca—son of Francie Chapman and stepson of Duane “Dog” Chapman—accidentally shot his 13‑year‑old son, Anthony Zecca, in what family members are calling an “incomprehensible, tragic accident”.
According to TMZ, the incident unfolded inside their home and was immediately labeled an “isolated incident” by authorities. No arrests have been made so far, but the investigation remains active.
The Chapman‑Zecca Family: Blended but Close‑Knit
Duane Chapman, widely known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” married Colorado rancher Francie Frane in 2021 after both lost their previous spouses to cancer—Chapman’s wife, Beth, passed in 2019, and Francie’s former partner, Bob, died six months earlier.
Francie had Gregory from a prior relationship. Gregory later joined Dog’s bounty hunting team and even hosts the “Beyond the Bounty” podcast while operating a small business in Parker, Colorado. Photographs from 2021 show Gregory and Anthony sharing time at a shooting range, reflecting their mutual interest in firearms.
A Night of Heartbreak: The Accident Unfolds
Law enforcement reports that the shooting occurred inside the apartment at about 8:08 p.m. EST. Officials confirmed Anthony succumbed to his injuries, and officials have described the event as non-suspicious.
Why It Matters: The Ripple Effect of a Family Tragedy
1. Blended families and second-gen trauma
This tragedy highlights how blended families, even ones that appear to function well and heal in the aftermath of prior loss, can be vulnerable to sudden, internal accidents. The Chapmans and Zeccas had bonded over grief—and shared activities including firearms use—but grief doesn’t shield against heartbreak.
2. Gun safety awareness
Gregory’s fascination with guns—including taking a teenage Anthony to a range—underscores the need for strict oversight and training whenever minors have exposure to firearms. This incident might serve as a sobering reminder to other families.
What Happens Next: Investigation & Grieving
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is deeply investigating, though there’s no indication of charges—the shooting is currently viewed as accidental. Meanwhile, Dog and Francie will likely focus on healing. Duane Chapman, owner of a high‑risk bail bonds past and a television reality presence, is no stranger to tragedy: he lost daughter Barbara in 2006 to a car accident and wife Beth in 2019 to cancer.
Supporting the Chapmans: What You Can Do
Prayers & empathy. The family specifically asked for continued prayers and space to grieve.
Firearm education: Take steps: ensure all firearms are locked, follow safety protocols, seek professional advice if children are around guns, and use certified training.
Mental health matters. Counseling can help families process sudden loss; grieving together may uncover emotional wounds not easily visible.
This tragedy has left Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife Francie shattered. Their message to the public? The unexpected can happen to any family.
The story of Anthony Zecca’s death is more than celebrity news—it’s a stark reminder of responsibility, safety, and the fragility of life. As the Chapman‑Zecca family mourns, public compassion and a focus on gun safety could serve as a meaningful tribute to young Anthony’s memory.
