A Florida courtroom was the scene of a somber hearing this week as a man connected to a well-known television personality faced a judge over charges stemming from the death of his teenage son.
The defendant, Gregory Zecca, 39, appeared for a pretrial detention hearing related to a manslaughter charge. He is accused in the shooting death of his 13-year-old son, Anthony, which occurred last summer at their Naples residence. A judge set bond at $500,000.
Authorities detailed a tragic sequence of events leading to the incident. Investigative reports indicate that on the evening in question, Zecca had been consuming alcohol for several hours, with a subsequent toxicology test placing his blood-alcohol level above the legal limit. He and his son were reportedly watching a televised sporting event in their apartment.
According to law enforcement statements, Zecca had been handling a firearm in the teenager’s presence earlier that evening, practicing drawing the weapon. While the gun was initially cleared, officials allege the magazine was later reinserted. A single shot was fired, striking the boy in the neck.
First responders arrived at the scene just after 8 p.m. to find the juvenile critically wounded. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead later that night. The arrest report notes deputies detected signs of intoxication and observed marijuana at the apartment.
Zecca now faces a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm, as well as a charge for using a firearm while under the influence. Under state statutes, a conviction could result in a potential life sentence.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Zecca was reportedly placed under psychiatric care over concerns for his well-being. A statement released on behalf of the family expressed profound grief, calling the event an “incomprehensible, tragic accident” and requesting privacy as they mourn.