Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman’s stepson Gregory Zecca has been placed on a psychiatric hold after accidentally shooting his 13-year-old son, Anthony.
A representative for the family confirmed the news to TMZ on Monday, July 21, telling the outlet that Zecca is under observation on a 5150 hold, meaning he has been involuntarily detained for 72 hours because of a mental health disorder, being a danger to himself, being a danger to others or being gravely disabled.
The rep noted that the hold was instituted because Zecca is overcome with grief, not because he feels guilty of a crime in relation to Anthony’s death. TMZ further reported that Zecca has not yet spoken to his family or authorities because he has been heavily sedated.
News broke on Sunday, July 20, that Zecca fatally shot Anthony one day prior at their apartment in Naples, Florida.
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“We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony,” Dog and his wife, Francie Chapman, told TMZ on Sunday.
According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to a call about a shooting in Naples on Saturday, July 19, shortly after 8 p.m. local time.
Police said this was an “isolated incident,” but the sheriff’s office confirmed they are conducting a death investigation.
“Our detectives are conducting a thorough investigation looking into all the elements of this tragic incident,” police told Us on Monday, July 21. “The investigation includes statements from witnesses who were at the scene, forensic testing, subpoenas and search warrants.”
No arrests have been made. According to TMZ, Zecca accidentally shot his son in a freak accident at their apartment.
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After the incident, Zecca seemingly disabled his Instagram account. Before he removed it from public view, social media users could see pictures of him with his son, including one snap of the duo at a shooting range.
“Getting some range time in with our buddies @franktownfirearms,” Zecca reportedly wrote via Instagram in one throwback post.
Zecca is Francie’s child from a previous marriage. Francie and Dog, 72, tied the knot in 2021 after the deaths of their respective first spouses.
Both Dog and his wife have shared glimpses of their family bond with Zecca, who works on Dog’s bounty hunting team. Two years ago, the couple shared a selfie with Anthony as he celebrated his birthday.
“The Boy Is 11 Today & We’re On Our Way To [Busch] Gardens For Birthday Fun !!!” Francie wrote via Instagram in July 2023.
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