Key Takeaways
- Tragic Incident: Zecca, Dog the Bounty Hunter’s stepson, accidentally shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony, on July 19.
- Psychiatric Hold: Zecca has been placed under a 5150 hold due to emotional devastation—not criminal guilt—per the family’s rep.
- Ongoing Investigation: Authorities continue to examine the circumstances, calling it an “isolated” but tragic event.
Duane “Dog” Chapman’s extended family is facing unthinkable grief following a devastating tragedy. On July 19, Zecca—step-son of the Dog the Bounty Hunter star and biological son of Chapman’s wife Francie Frane—accidentally shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony, at their home in Naples, Florida. The incident is currently under investigation by local authorities.
Zecca Held Under 5150 Psychiatric Evaluation
Two days after the fatal shooting, a family spokesperson told TMZ that Zecca has been placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold. This California-based code, which can be enforced in Florida under similar statutes, allows authorities to detain individuals involuntarily for up to 72 hours if they are deemed a danger to themselves, others, or are gravely disabled due to a mental disorder.
According to the family, Zecca’s detainment stems not from guilt in a legal sense, but from overwhelming emotional trauma and grief over his son’s accidental death. The representative clarified, “This is about his heartbreak, not about guilt.”
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Ongoing Death Investigation in Florida
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a “death investigation” is currently underway, referring to the event as an “isolated incident.” Authorities are reviewing witness statements, conducting forensic testing, and issuing subpoenas and search warrants to fully understand the circumstances behind the tragedy.
“Our detectives are conducting a thorough investigation looking into all the elements of this tragic incident,” the department stated in a release.
Dog and Francie Ask for Prayers Amid Tragedy
While Zecca has yet to issue a public statement, his mother Francie and stepfather Dog the Bounty Hunter have broken their silence. In a joint message shared with TMZ, the couple wrote, “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.”
Chapman, known for his tough persona on reality TV, has faced numerous personal losses over the years, including the death of his wife Beth in 2019. This latest incident adds to the heartbreak that has marked much of the Chapman family’s public and private life.
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