Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman’s 13-year-old grandson, Anthony Zecca, was tragically killed in an accidental shooting by his father, Gregory Zecca.
The extended family of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman is mourning a heartbreaking loss. On July 19, 2025, Dog and his wife, Francie Frane, were devastated to learn of the untimely death of their 13-year-old grandson, Anthony Zecca, who was accidentally shot and killed by his father, Gregory Zecca, in a tragic incident that occurred in their Naples, Florida apartment.
According to TMZ, the Naples Police Department responded swiftly to the scene around 8 p.m. that evening. Authorities confirmed that the incident was classified as a “freak accident” and remains under investigation. However, no arrests have been made, and police are treating the shooting as an isolated event.
A Family in Mourning
The Chapmans, known for their strong family bonds and public presence, issued a heartfelt statement through E! News:
“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.”
The emotional statement reflects the immense grief that the family is enduring, especially Francie Frane, who not only lost her grandson but is also the mother of Gregory Zecca, Anthony’s father.
Who Was Anthony Zecca?
Little is known about Anthony’s personal life due to his young age and his family’s preference for privacy. However, it’s evident that he was deeply loved by his family, who described him as a bright and cherished presence in their lives. The tragic nature of his passing has left fans of Dog the Bounty Hunter and the wider community stunned and heartbroken.
Who Is Gregory Zecca?
Gregory Zecca, 38, is the biological father of Anthony and the stepson of Duane Chapman. He is Francie Frane’s son from her previous marriage. Zecca is not a stranger to the spotlight himself. He works with Dog the Bounty Hunter on his bounty hunting team, a detail that’s been featured in various online platforms and his own podcast, Beyond the Bounty with Greg Zecca.
His Instagram bio describes him as a “Father, Bounty Hunter, Podcaster, Small Business Owner, Adventurer.” The podcast offers listeners an inside look into the world of bounty hunting while also discussing themes of redemption and resilience—two things Zecca has said he holds close to his heart.
While details about the accident remain scarce, the Naples Police Department continues its investigation. Zecca, as of the latest reports, has not been charged, and authorities maintain that the shooting appears to be an unfortunate and unintended tragedy.
A Look at Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman
Duane Lee Chapman, famously known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, has lived a life marked by trials, redemption, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Born on February 2, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, Chapman had a rough start. At the age of 15, he joined a motorcycle gang called the Devil’s Disciples and got into legal trouble early in life.
In 1976, he was convicted of first-degree murder after a botched drug deal led to a death. He served about 18 months in prison. It was during his time in prison that Chapman found a new purpose. After tackling a fellow inmate who tried to escape, Chapman gained the nickname “Bounty Hunter.” That moment ignited his journey into crime fighting.
In 2003, Dog made international headlines for capturing fugitive Andrew Luster, the Max Factor heir, in Mexico. This catapulted him into fame and opened the doors for his iconic reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter, which aired from 2004 to 2012 on A&E. Spin-offs followed, including Dog and Beth: On the Hunt and Dog’s Most Wanted.
Chapman also authored several bestselling memoirs, including You Can Run But You Can’t Hide and Where Mercy Is Shown, Mercy Is Given, chronicling his transformation from convict to celebrity crime fighter. In 2024, he released Nine Lives and Counting, which explores his tumultuous yet inspiring journey in greater depth.
Despite his fame, Dog has experienced numerous personal hardships, including the loss of his daughter Barbara and infant son Zebadiah. The recent death of his grandson Anthony adds to the list of tragedies the Chapman family has endured.
The Relationship Between Francie Frane and Dog
Dog married Francie Frane in 2021, following the death of his previous wife, Beth Chapman, in 2019. Francie, a rancher from Colorado, had also lost her spouse, and their shared grief brought them together. The couple has since become public figures in their own right, promoting faith, resilience, and family unity.
Francie has largely stayed out of the limelight but became more visible after her marriage to Dog. She works with him on bounty hunting missions and is often seen supporting him through personal and professional challenges.
Community Reaction and Support
The tragic news has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and the Naples community alike. Known for their involvement in local churches and charities, Dog and Francie have built strong connections in Naples, Florida.
Dog the Bounty Hunter’s 13-year-old stepgrandson killed by his dad in accidental shooting: report https://t.co/Z4mDR96B2y pic.twitter.com/FfDOw2r2RN
— New York Post (@nypost) July 21, 2025
Neighbors and community members are rallying around the grieving family. “They’ve always given back,” said one local pastor. “Now it’s time we stand by them during this dark hour.”
An Ongoing Investigation
As of July 21, 2025, the Naples Police Department is continuing its investigation into the accidental shooting. No charges have been filed, and officials maintain that it appears to be an isolated, tragic accident.
Naples PD has urged the public not to speculate or spread misinformation until the investigation concludes. Meanwhile, representatives for the Chapman family have declined to offer any further comments.
Dog’s Past and Big Family
Dog has fathered a total of 13 children from six different relationships. Some of his children have worked alongside him in the family’s bounty hunting business. His daughters, Lyssa and Bonnie, and son, Garry, were featured in many of his television appearances.
Over the years, Dog has faced ups and downs in his relationships with his children, some of which have become public. However, he has consistently emphasized the importance of family, forgiveness, and faith.
In 2023, he publicly acknowledged another son, Jon, whom he had not known about until recently. This revelation further expanded his already large and dynamic family.
A Plea for Privacy
In this time of sorrow, the Chapman family has asked for privacy and compassion. Their statement emphasizes their need to mourn in peace and process the loss of a child taken far too soon.
“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.”
The words echo across social media, drawing messages of love and strength from fans around the world.
This tragedy is a poignant reminder that even those in the spotlight are not immune to the harsh realities of life. The loss of young Anthony Zecca has left a void in the Chapman family that no words can fill. As investigations continue and the family leans on each other for support, the world watches with sympathy and sorrow.
In times of great pain, love and community can offer solace. And for Dog the Bounty Hunter, his wife Francie, and all who knew Anthony, that support may help carry them through this unimaginable loss.
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