Gregory Zecca, stepson of Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Chapman, has been placed on a psychiatric hold after accidentally shooting and killing his 13-year-old son, Anthony, in what authorities describe as a 'freak accident'. The incident occurred at Zecca's apartment in Naples, Florida, on Saturday evening.
Family representatives told TMZ that the hold is for Zecca's protection amid fears he may harm himself due to grief. They emphasised that his current state is a result of losing his son, not an admission of guilt. No charges have been filed, and Zecca has been heavily sedated, preventing communication with family or police.
The shooting took place around 8:08 pm local time. Deputies from the Collier County Sheriff's Office found Anthony with a gunshot wound to the neck, just above the sternum. He was pronounced dead at 8:21 pm. The firearm involved was on the family's kitchen island.
Zecca, a gun enthusiast who often took Anthony to shooting ranges, works with Chapman. Chapman and his wife Francie, Zecca's mother, released a joint statement expressing grief and requesting prayers for the family. The sheriff's office confirmed the investigation is ongoing, calling it an 'isolated incident'.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injury is a leading cause of death among children, with firearms being a leading cause after motor vehicle accidents. About half of such deaths occur at home when guns are not properly secured.
