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.
On the evening of July 19, a tragic shooting took place in Naples, Florida, around 8 p.m. at a local apartment. Authorities confirmed the incident, identifying the victim as a teenage boy who was fatally shot by his own father, Gregory Zecca — the stepson of Duane “Dog” Chapman through his wife, Francie Chapman.
TMZ reports that no arrests have been made as the investigation remains active.
In a statement shared with TMZ, a representative for Chapman’s family said:
“We are devastated by this unimaginable and tragic accident. As a family, we are grieving the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony, and we ask for continued prayers during this incredibly painful time.”
Francie Chapman, who married Duane in 2021, shares her son Gregory with her late husband Bob, who passed away from cancer just six months before Duane lost his longtime wife Beth to the same illness in 2019.
Francie and Duane Chapman found comfort in each other through their shared grief. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Francie explained:
“We understood the pain each of us was going through. During those dark moments, we helped one another stand back up. We could cry together, share our emotions openly and that connection brought us together in a truly special way.”
She also emphasized that their late spouses will always hold a place in their hearts:
“We’ll never forget Bob and Beth. They’ll always be a part of who we are.”
Duane Chapman, famously known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” 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.
