Sheriff Updates Investigation After Dog Chapman’s Stepson Fatally Shoots His Son
Two days after Duane “Dog” Chapman’s stepson inadvertently shot and killed his 13-year-old son, authorities in Collier County launched a formal death investigation.
Zoe Bennett here, the facts matter. Let’s break down the key events and their implications.
According to a July 21 statement from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received the emergency call at 8:08 p.m. on July 19 from an apartment in Naples. Officials stress this was an isolated incident with no evidence of foul play or broader threats to the community.
Investigators confirm that Gregory Zecca, stepson of TV personality Duane “Dog” Chapman, accidentally discharged a handgun, striking his son Anthony. While no arrests have been made, detectives are pursuing a full “death investigation,” gathering witness accounts, executing search warrants, issuing subpoenas, and conducting comprehensive forensic testing. Footage of the apartment’s exterior and ballistic reports are expected to be key in reconstructing the events leading up to the tragic shot.
Family representatives for Chapman and his wife Francie Frane, who shares Gregory with her late husband, released a joint statement to TMZ on July 20. They said, “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.” That message underscores the wider emotional toll on a blended family already marked by past loss.
Chapman, 72, and Frane tied the knot in 2021. They first connected in early 2020 while mourning separate spouses lost to cancer. As Chapman told TMZ Live in May 2020, “She lost her husband six months before I lost Beth Chapman, so we started on the phone, crying and consoling each other. It’s incredible to meet someone like her.” Their bond offered Chapman renewed strength both personally and professionally.
Forensic analysts from the sheriff’s crime lab will test gun residue, examine bullet trajectories, and review any digital evidence captured on home security systems. Detectives will also interview neighbors and first responders to confirm timelines and verify that no external factors contributed to the shot. Authorities stress standard procedure in cases of accidental deaths involving firearms.
This tragedy shines a spotlight on accidental domestic shootings nationwide. According to data from the National Safety Council, unintentional firearm injuries cause hundreds of deaths annually, many occurring in private residences. Experts say secure firearm storage and safety training remain critical steps to prevent similar incidents.
With no criminal charges filed so far, the rights of all parties are being protected under Florida law. Next steps include coronial findings, finalizing ballistic reports, and potential civil inquiries by estate or family counsel. The sheriff’s office says it will update the public once key forensic milestones are reached.
Stay tuned for more updates as details emerge and authorities release new findings.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, TMZ, Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
