Gregory Anthony Zecca, the stepson of Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman, has been arrested. The arrest comes six months after he accidentally shot and killed his 13-year-old son. Zecca was reportedly under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana at the time of the incident.
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Zecca has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm. He was also charged with using a firearm while under the influence.
"This was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy. Our detectives conducted an exhaustive and thorough investigation, examining every element of what happened through witness statements, forensic testing, subpoenas, search warrants, and more. I commend their hard work and professionalism in uncovering the facts in an incredibly difficult case," Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said via TMZ.
An aggravated manslaughter charge can carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
According to reports, the incident took place when Zecca and his son attended a friend's house for a UFC watch party. Zecca is alleged to have been drinking for multiple hours before the fatal incident took place.
"Law enforcement says Gregory "repeatedly handled a firearm in the child's presence, practicing drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing," TMZ revealed. "The firearm had initially been rendered safe by removing the magazine and clearing a live round from the chamber."
Dog the Bounty Hunter Has Issued a Statement via His Attorney
When incidents such as this occur, they impact an entire family. When one or more of those family members are in the public eye, interest in the case reaches a new level. As such, Dog the Bounty Hunter has released a statement on the incident. The statement came via his attorney, Joseph Lesniak, who spoke with TMZ.
"This remains a devastating family tragedy. We believe Greg loved his son deeply, and that this was a tragic accident -- one that has left many lives permanently changed, especially Anthony's, and Greg's."
Zecca has previously worked as part of Chapman's bounty hunter team. Currently, there are no further details regarding his case. Nor has his court date been made public. More details will likely arise as the case continues.
