Gregory Zecca was arrested Tuesday in the death of his son. (Photo credit: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)
Gregory Zecca, the stepson of Dog the Bounty Hunter, has been arrested in the shooting death of his son.
Greg Zecca is the son of Francie Frane, the wife of Duane Chapman, the television personality best known as Dog the Bounty Hunter. Zecca’s 13-year-old son, Anthony, was accidentally shot in July of last year, and police say that Zecca was responsible.
(Photo Credit: Francie Chapman / Instagram)
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At the time of the shooting, authorities said that they were conducting a thorough investigation into the incident that “includes statements from witnesses who were at the scene, forensic testing, subpoenas, and search warrants.” They called the accident “isolated” and didn’t anticipate any arrests.
But, after months of investigating, it was found that Zecca, 39, was intoxicated when the firearm struck Anthony, according to a Facebook post made by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Greg Zecca was taken into custody on Tuesday, February 3, on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence. If He faces the possibility of life in prison.
“This was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “Our detectives conducted an exhaustive and thorough investigation, examining every element of what happened through witness statements, forensic testing, subpoenas, search warrants, and more. I commend their hard work and professionalism in uncovering the facts in an incredibly difficult case.”
About the Investigation
Authorities report that the investigation revealed that Zecca consumed both alcohol and marijuana prior to the accident. While at a friend’s home where he and his son were visiting, Zecca “repeatedly handled a firearm in the child’s presence, practicing drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing.”
The magazine had previously been removed, and a live round was taken from the chamber. “But at some point, the magazine was reinserted, and a round was chambered,” the statement from authorities reads. A single round was discharged and struck the teen.
When authorities responded to the emergency call, they noticed marijuana and the smell of alcohol. A toxicology report revealed that Zecca was impaired by the substances at the time of the shooting.
“This case underscores that devastating tragedy that can result from mixing firearms, alcohol and drugs,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “Our hearts are with everyone affected by this loss.”
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