Collier County man faces life for son's death in alcohol-fueled gun mishap

NAPLES, Fla. — A Naples man faced arrest after a Collier County Sheriff's Office investigation found he fatally shot his 13-year-old son last summer while under the influence of alcohol.

Gregory Anthony Zecca, 39, was taken into custody on a warrant for aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence, connected to the incident on July 19, 2025. The manslaughter charge could lead to a life sentence.

"This was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy," said Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.

He added, "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."

The investigation revealed that Zecca consumed alcohol over several hours at a local establishment, purchased more alcohol, and later used both alcohol and marijuana at a friend's residence on Sumter Grove Way. Zecca and his son were watching a UFC fight on TV at the time.

Inside the home, Zecca repeatedly handled a firearm in his son's presence, practicing drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing. The firearm had initially been made safe by removing the magazine and clearing a live round from the chamber.

At some point, the magazine was reinserted, a round was chambered, and Zecca discharged a single shot that fatally struck the child.

Responding deputies detected the odor of alcohol on Zecca and observed marijuana in plain view. Detectives obtained two search warrants for medical records and a blood draw. A toxicology expert estimated Zecca's blood-alcohol concentration to be approximately 0.116 at the time of the shooting, above Florida's legal limit of 0.08. The expert concluded Zecca was impaired by alcohol.

"This case underscores the devastating tragedy that can result from mixing firearms, alcohol, and drugs," said Rambosk. "Our hearts are with everyone affected by this loss."

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