In a tragic turn of events, Gregory Anthony Zecca, stepson of the well-known Dog the Bounty Hunter, was taken into custody on Tuesday. He faces charges of aggravated manslaughter following the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old son in Florida last summer.

According to a statement from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Zecca, 39, was under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred on July 19, 2025. Sheriff Kevin Rambosk described the situation as both “heartbreaking and preventable,” emphasizing the thoroughness of the investigation carried out by his team. “Our detectives left no stone unturned, meticulously gathering evidence through witness interviews, forensic examinations, and legal measures,” Rambosk stated, commending the team’s dedication and expertise amid a challenging case.

Investigation reports reveal that Zecca had been drinking at a local spot before purchasing more alcohol. He and his son then consumed alcohol and marijuana at a friend’s house while watching a televised UFC fight. During the evening, Zecca frequently handled a firearm, removing it from his waistband and dry-firing it in front of his son.

Initially, the firearm was unloaded, with the magazine removed and no bullet in the chamber. However, the magazine was later reinserted, and a round was chambered, resulting in Zecca firing a single shot that tragically claimed his son’s life. The authorities have not clarified who reloaded the weapon.

Upon arriving at the scene, detectives detected the scent of alcohol on Zecca and noticed marijuana visible in the area. A search warrant for a blood test revealed Zecca’s blood-alcohol level was 0.116 at the time of the shooting, significantly surpassing Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.

Detectives arrived on the scene and smelled alcohol on Zecca and saw marijuana “in plain view.” They obtained search warrants for a blood draw, which showed his blood-alcohol content to be 0.116 at the time of the shooting, well above Florida’s legal imit of 0.08. 

“This case underscores that devastating tragedy that can result from mixing firearms, alcohol and drugs,” Rambosk said. “Our hearts are with everyone affected by this loss.”

Zecca is the son of Francie Chapman, Dog the Bounty Hunter’s wife, from a previous marriage. Dog’s real name is Duane Chapman.