Naples, Florida – Authorities in Collier County, Florida, have arrested Gregory Anthony Zecca, 39, in connection with the death of his 13-year-old son, Anthony Zecca, who died on . The arrest, made on , follows a months-long investigation into the shooting, which occurred in Naples.
Zecca faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence. The aggravated manslaughter charge carries a potential sentence of life in prison, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The case has drawn significant attention due to the family’s connection to Duane “Dog” Chapman, known for his television work as a bounty hunter.
Chapman is married to Gregory Zecca’s mother, Francie Chapman, since . The tragedy has deeply affected the entire family, prompting statements from both the Zecca and Chapman families.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation revealed that Zecca consumed alcohol at a local establishment for several hours before returning home and continuing to drink, also using marijuana. Authorities allege that Zecca repeatedly handled a firearm in the presence of his son, practicing drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing it.
Initially, the firearm had been rendered safe by removing the magazine and clearing a live round from the chamber. However, investigators determined that the magazine was later reinserted, and a round was chambered. It was at this point that Zecca allegedly discharged the firearm, fatally striking his son.
A toxicology report indicated that Zecca’s blood-alcohol concentration was approximately 0.116 at the time of the shooting – almost double the legal limit for driving a motor vehicle in Florida. The Sheriff’s Office stated that Zecca was impaired by alcohol at the time of the incident.
Legal Representation and Family Statements
Gregory Zecca’s defense attorney, Donald Day, released a statement on , acknowledging the difficulty of the case for the family. “This case is very difficult for the entire family and we will work within the framework of the criminal justice system for a successful resolution,” Day said.
Joseph Lesniak, representing the Chapmans, issued a statement on , describing the event as a “devastating family tragedy.” The statement continued, “We believe Greg loved his son deeply, and that this was a tragic accident — one that has left many lives permanently changed, especially Anthony’s, and Greg’s.”
The Chapmans, according to Lesniak’s statement, are grieving Anthony’s loss and have requested privacy and compassion. “We respect the ongoing investigation by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the court process, and we will not litigate this matter in the media,” Lesniak added. “Because Here’s now pending, we have no further comment at this time.”
Pretrial Detention and Next Steps
On , Collier County Judge Deborah Cunningham ruled that Zecca would be held without bond pending a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for . Prosecutors had sought to deny Zecca bond prior to the hearing.
The case is expected to proceed through the Florida criminal justice system, with the potential for a lengthy legal battle. The charges against Zecca reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident, and the potential consequences are significant.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may emerge as the case progresses. The tragedy has deeply impacted the Naples community and has garnered attention due to the high profile of Duane Chapman and his family.
