NAPLES, Fla. – A Naples man was arrested Tuesday following a Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigation that determined he fatally shot his 13-year-old son last summer while handling a firearm under the influence of alcohol.
According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Gregory Anthony Zecca, 39, was arrested on a warrant charging him with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence. The charges stem from a July 19, 2025, incident. The aggravated manslaughter charge carries a potential sentence of life in prison.
“This was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” said Kevin Rambosk. “Our detectives conducted an exhaustive and thorough investigation, examining every element of what happened through witness statements, forensic testing, subpoenas, search warrants, and more.”
Investigators determined Zecca consumed alcohol over several hours at a local establishment, purchased additional alcohol, and later used both alcohol and marijuana at a friend’s home on Sumter Grove Way. Authorities said Zecca and his son were watching a UFC fight when Zecca repeatedly handled a firearm in the child’s presence, practicing drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing it.
The firearm had initially been made safe by removing the magazine and clearing a live round from the chamber, investigators said. At some point, the magazine was reinserted and a round chambered. Zecca then discharged a single shot, fatally striking the child.
Responding deputies reported smelling alcohol on Zecca and observed marijuana in plain view. Detectives obtained search warrants for medical records and a blood draw. A toxicology expert later estimated Zecca’s blood-alcohol concentration to be approximately 0.116 at the time of the shooting. Florida’s legal limit is 0.08. The toxicologist concluded Zecca was impaired by alcohol.
“This case underscores the devastating tragedy that can result from mixing firearms, alcohol, and drugs,” Rambosk said. “Our hearts are with everyone affected by this loss.”
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