A devastating tragedy has struck the family of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman, as his 13-year-old step-grandson, Anthony, was fatally shot in what the family says was a heartbreaking accident.
The incident occurred on July 19 in Naples, Florida. Authorities confirmed a shooting took place around 8 p.m. that evening in a local apartment. According to TMZ, the teen was shot by his father, Gregory Zecca, Chapman’s stepson through his wife Francie Chapman. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Chapman’s representative released a statement to TMZ on behalf of the family: “We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we mourn the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony.”
Francie Chapman, who married Duane in 2021, shares Gregory with her late husband Bob, who died of cancer just six months before Duane’s longtime partner and wife Beth passed away from the same illness in 2019.
Their shared grief helped bring Francie and Duane together, with Francie previously telling Entertainment Tonight: “We understood the pain the other was feeling. In those tough days and moments, we helped each other stand up… We could cry with each other and talk about what we were feeling. It brought us together in this amazing way.”
She added that both Bob and Beth will always remain a part of their lives: “We’re never going to leave Bob and Beth behind or forget about them. They’ll always be a part of us.”
Duane Chapman has been married six times and is the father of 13 children. In 2023, he revealed the existence of a previously unknown son named Jon, bringing his total number of children to 13.
The family has asked for privacy and prayers as they navigate this deeply painful loss.