What to Know About Dog the Bounty Hunter's Children
- - What to Know About Dog the Bounty Hunter's Children
Skyler Caruso, Jordana ComiterFebruary 5, 2026 at 11:30 PM
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Duane Chapman and his family in October 2025.
Duane Lee Chapman/Instagram
Dog the Bounty Hunter has welcomed children during six different relationships
The A&E star, whose real name is Duane Lee Chapman, is also a stepfather to his wife Francie Fran's two sons
On Feb. 3, one of his stepsons was arrested based on allegations that he fatally shot his teenage son in July 2025
Dog the Bounty Hunter, whose real name is Duane Lee Chapman, is the father of many children.
The A&E star welcomed several children during six different relationships, and is also the stepfather of two stepsons. Many of Chapman's children were introduced to the public during their various appearances on his reality shows. Among them was Dog the Bounty Hunter, the long-running hit series that followed his pursuit of fugitives from his home base of Hawaii to his native state of Colorado.
In 1972, Chapman welcomed his first child, Christopher Michael Hecht, with Debbie White. His first marriage was to La Fonda Sue Darnall, with whom he welcomed sons Duane Lee II and Leland Blane Chapman. After their split, he wed Ann Tegnell in 1979 and welcomed three kids: Zebadiah, Wesley and James Robert Chapman.
Duane Chapman and his family
Cecily B Chapman/Instagram
In 1982, Chapman tied the knot with his third wife, Lyssa Rae Brittain, with whom he shares kids Barbara Katie, Tucker Dee and Lyssa Rae Chapman. In 2006, he wed Beth Chapman. The pair welcomed Bonnie Joanne and Garry Chapman — and he adopted her daughter Cecily — before Beth's death in 2019. In June 2022, on the anniversary of Beth's death, Chapman revealed in an Instagram post that he had another child.
That September, Chapman married a fifth time when he wed Francie Frane in Colorado. Chapman then became the stepfather of Francie's two children, one of whom was involved in a family tragedy in July 2025 when he allegedly killed his teenage son in an accidental shooting.
"We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible, tragic accident," Francie said in a statement to TMZ following the incident. Several months later, Gregory Zecca was arrested on Feb. 3, on a warrant charing him with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence, per a police press release.
Here's everything to know about Dog the Bounty Hunter's children and stepsons.
Christopher Michael Hecht
Christopher Michael Hecht.
Colorado Department of Corrections
Chapman had his first child, son Christopher Hecht, in 1972. At the time of his birth, the reality star was serving an 18-month prison sentence for a third-degree murder charge.
Christopher's biological mother is Debbie White. After she allegedly died by suicide, Christopher was adopted by Gloria and Keith Hecht when he was 5 years old.
In 2008, Christopher was reportedly arrested in his native Colorado on suspicion of third-degree assault and crimes against an at-risk adult prompted by an argument outside a bar, according to local newspaper The Pueblo Chieftain.
At the time of his arrest, Chapman coincidentally turned in a wanted Mesa County man. Christopher told reporters, "I don't think he even knows I'm in here. I haven't talked to him in two months."
In February 2021, he was sentenced to three years in prison in Colorado after a menacing arrest, per The Sun. Outside of his legal troubles, there are little known details on his personal life.
Duane Lee II
Duane Lee II Chapman.
Leland Blane Chapman/ Instagram
Chapman had his second child, son Duane Lee II, in 1973. He welcomed him with his now ex-wife, La Fonda Sue Darnall, whom he was married to from 1972 to 1977.
Like most of Chapman's family members, the Texas native appeared in several episodes of his dad's TV shows and movies, including 2006's Dog: The Family Speaks, 2008's Celebrity Family Feud and the long-running Dog the Bounty Hunter series from 2005 to 2012.
Similar to his father, Duane II is a bail bondsman who learned the ropes at Chapman's company, Da’Kine Bail Bonds in Hawaii. However, he's kept a low public profile after leaving the hit show over a rumored financial dispute.
Since his departure, Duane II relocated to Florida, where he opened up his own bail bondsman business. "Children grow up," Beth, Chapman's ex-wife, told Channel Guide Magazine.
"How long can you work for your mom and dad?" she continued. "At some point, you feel like there's got to be changes made. And we as parents have to be OK with letting our bird fly."
Leland Blane
Duane Chapman and Leland Chapman.
Angela Weiss/Getty
Chapman and La Fonda Sue welcomed their son, Leland Blane, in 1976.
He was born in Texas, where he spent much of his childhood before moving to Colorado. Like many of his siblings, Leland worked at his dad's Da’Kine Bail Bonds. Furthermore, he's made appearances in the aforementioned Chapman-led TV shows and movies.
Like Duane II, Leland also left Dog the Bounty Hunter in 2012 over an alleged dispute with Beth. He, too, opened his own business, called Kama'aina Bail Bonds on the Big Island of Hawaii.
In 2006, Leland was entangled in legal troubles when he was arrested in Hawaii alongside his father for allegedly jumping bail in Mexico. CNN reported the men were ordered to "stand trial on charges of unlawful detention and deprivation of freedom, charges which carry sentences of up to four years in prison." However, they were released from custody on bail.
As for Leland's personal life, he has been married twice. In 1995, he wed Maui Chapman, with whom he welcomed sons Dakota and Cobie before their split in 2005. He also welcomed a daughter with ex Lynette Yi, before marrying model Jamie Pilar Chapman in 2016.
Leland is very active on social media, including Instagram where he shares family-related content with his half a million followers. In 2023, he celebrated being a dad on Father's Day.
"Thank you all for all the Father’s Day wishes, that is the best part of my life," he wrote on Instagram. "By far my greatest accomplishment . Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there I hope you all had a wonderful day," he captioned a post alongside his brood.
Zebadiah
Chapman had his fourth child, son Zebadiah, in 1980. He welcomed him with his second wife, Ann Tegnell, to whom he was married from 1979 to 1982.
One month after Zebadiah's birth, the infant tragically died.
Wesley
Wesley Chapman.
Wesley Chapman/ Instagram
Chapman and Ann welcomed their second baby, son Wesley (who goes by "Wes"), together in 1980.
After Chapman and Ann split, Wes was raised by his maternal grandparents. Until age 6, Wes lived with his mother before bouncing between foster homes and psychiatric hospitals.
"I didn't want to be the kid that didn't have a dad, didn't have a mom, that was abused," Wes said in an interview with Business Insider. "So I just started telling that story over and over in the mirror. It was as simple as that."
By age 19, Wes was consulting for Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft and Costco. He worked as a motivational speaker, often speaking to young students who were experiencing abuse or mental health struggles.
Through his inspirational conversations and personal past, he created A Human Project, an "incubator for scalable solutions to systemic problems in education, health and society." He is also co-founder of The Human Gathering, one of the most exclusive, private communities in the world, per Forbes.
He's married to Jodie Chapman, and both of them are very active on social media.
James Robert
Chapman and Ann welcomed their son, James Robert, together in 1982.
Like many of his siblings, he made appearances on Dog the Bounty Hunter. Now, however, James chooses to keep a low profile and rarely makes public appearances.
Barbara Katie
Barbara Katie Chapman.
Lyssa Chapman Evensen II/ Instagram
Chapman had his seventh baby, daughter Barbara Katy, in 1982 in Colorado. He welcomed her with his third wife, Lyssa Rae, whom he married that same year and split from in 1991.
In 2006, Barbara — who also made appearances on Chapman's self-titled reality show — died in a car crash at age 23 in Alaska on the eve of her father's wedding to his longtime companion Beth.
She is survived by her son Travis.
Tucker Dee
Tucker Dee Chapman.
Lyssa Chapman Evensen II/ Instagram
Chapman and his third wife, Lyssa, welcomed their son, Tucker Dee, in 1983 in Colorado.
Like many of his siblings, Tucker has followed in his father's bounty hunter footsteps and has made appearances on his reality show. Since the show wrapped, he's maintained a low profile and few details about his personal life are known.
In June 2022, Chapman posted a birthday tribute to Tucker on Instagram. "Happy birthday to my son Tucker Dee Chapman love you son," he wrote.
Lyssa Rae
Duane Chapman and Lyssa Chapman.
Lyssa Chapman Evensen II/ Instagram
Chapman and his third wife, Lyssa, welcomed their daughter, Lyssa Rae, in 1987 in Colorado.While she's mostly known for her appearances on Dog the Bounty Hunter, the former bondswoman transitioned her title to a businesswoman in recent years. She opened her own self-titled clothing store, called BABY by Lyssa Chapman.
Days after her 15th birthday in 2002, Lyssa welcomed her first child, daughter Abbie Mae Chapman.
Lyssa tied the knot with Brahman "Bo" Galanti on Oahu, Hawaii in February 2009. They welcomed one child together, daughter Madalynn Grace Galanti, before they divorced in 2011. In June 2022, Lyssa married partner Leiana Evensen, announcing the news on Instagram.
Though Lyssa's father, Chapman, was unable to attend the nuptials, she told PEOPLE: "He was of course on the phone with me all morning and during. We FaceTimed him a bunch. He was there in spirit and also electronically."
Though her father has faced allegations of homophobia from Lyssa's half-sister Bonnie (his older child with Beth), Lyssa told PEOPLE he is fully supportive of her and Lei's relationship. "My dad's always just loved me and it's not been something we talk about," she said.
"I think it's really hard for people who are Christian and do have that belief that marriage belongs to a man and a woman," she continued. "But when your daughter falls in love with someone and you love that person, you can't just say you don't believe in it."
Bonnie Joanne
Bonnie Chapman.
Bonnie Chapman/ Instagram
Chapman welcomed his daughter Bonnie Joanne in 1998. He welcomed her with his fourth wife, Beth Chapman, whom he wed in 2006.
Like many of her siblings, Bonnie has appeared in several episodes of Dog the Bounty Hunter and Dog and Beth: On the Hunt. She's maintained a public social media presence since the reality shows wrapped, keeping her thousands of followers in the loop on her day-to-day activities.
In June 2019, Bonnie and Chapman experienced tragedy when Beth died at the age of 51 after being diagnosed with stage II throat cancer in 2017. In the wake of her death, Bonnie opened a boutique as a tribute to Beth.
"At Huntress Boutique, we are driven by the memory of our beloved mother, who lost her battle with cancer. As two sisters united by love and a shared vision, we have embarked on a journey to create a boutique that embodies our passion, celebrates individuality, and honors our mother's legacy," reads the website.
Bonnie came to her father's defense in May 2020 after Chapman shared the shocking news of his engagement to girlfriend Francie just 10 months after Beth’s death.
"My father has gone through so much this past year without my mother. It's been extremely difficult to see one parent pass, and the other so intent on following. My father deserves to be happy,” she wrote in a lengthy comment on Instagram.
“He's still got my mother's name on his chest. He'll never forget her and the love she gave him. She would be happy my father is in love and finding peace... Life has never been easy for my dad, but love is something that comes naturally to him,” she continued in part.
In June 2022, Bonnie posted a social media tribute to her late mother. "Today makes 4 years without you, I am so thankful for all the memories you’ve given to me," she began. "The life lessons you’ve taught me ring in my ear everyday and guide me with good intentions."
She continued, "I do all I do for you and I know without a single doubt you’re proud of me. I’ve stood my ground and stayed true to myself as you’ve taught me my whole life. Today 4 years ago was the last time I held your hand but I know I will see you again."
Garry
Duane Chapman and Garry Chapman.
Garry Chapman/Instagram
Chapman and Beth welcomed their son, Garry, in 2001.
Unlike his siblings, Garry did not appear on Dog the Bounty Hunter, but according to his Instagram, Garry likes to hunt and travel.
He also shares his admiration for his dad, calling him "one of the best dads I could have asked for" in an Instagram post on Father's Day. "You're always there when I call and always check up on me when I need it most. Hope today treats you well, love you!"
Like his sisters, Garry often thinks about his late mother and shares tributes to her on social media as well. "Today marks four years since I said goodbye to my anchor, my best friend, my unwavering defender—my mom," he wrote alongside a photo of her in June.
"Her impact on my life is immeasurable, and her memory continues to guide me. Even though she's no longer here, her love resides in my heart, and I find strength in imagining what she would do in challenging times. I honor her today and forever," he continued in part.
Cecily
Cecily Barmore Chapman.
Cecily B Chapman/ Instagram
Chapman adopted Beth's daughter, Cecily, after they got married.
Unlike many of her older siblings, Cecily did not appear on Dog the Bounty Hunter. Along with Bonnie, Cecily operates Huntress Boutique in remembrance of their mom. In June 2022, she posted a tribute to Beth on her Instagram four years after she died.
"The pain of her loss never truly fades, and there are times when it feels as fresh as if it were yesterday," she began. "Yet, amidst the lingering sorrow, I take solace in the knowledge that her legacy lives on through the great things accomplished in her honor."
"From the depths of my heart, I believe that she is watching over those who cherished her, wearing a smile of love and pride," Cecily continued in part. "Mom, your presence may be physically absent, but the love you left behind is an eternal flame that guides me forward."
Jon
Dog the Bounty Hunter's son Jon.
Duane Dog Chapman/ Instagram
On June 26, Chapman shared in an Instagram post that he recently "discovered" he has another son. He shared the family discovery while paying tribute to his first wife, Beth, on the fourth anniversary of her death.
"For the last four years, this day was a terrible reminder of one of the greatest losses of my life," began Chapman. "But God redeemed this day when I discovered my son Jon, who I just met recently, was born on this day."
"So now instead of sorrow, this day has a new meaning," he added, noting that the photo features his son Jon and his wife Jodi. "The whole story of Jon is told in my new book, Nine Lives and Counting, coming SOON," he continued.
"For anyone who has suffered a terrible loss please know God restores and redeems. Happy birthday son, love you both," Chapman concluded.
Francie's two sons
Dog Chapman, his wife Francie and family.
Francie Chapman/Instagram
Chapman's family expanded in 2021 when he married Francie, who already had two sons from a previous marriage. In a September 2020 episode of The Dr. Oz Show, Chapman shared that Francie and her sons were no strangers to bow hunting.
"I know she's a hunter. Her and her two sons have hunted bow hunt, so they track, they look for things that the prey leaves behind," he said. "She just fit right in. She started getting leads and writing them down, so there's more than just tracking and hunting."
More recently, one of his stepsons — Gregory Zecca — was involved in a family tragedy. On July 19, he allegedly shot his 13-year-old son Anthony, leading to the teenager's accidental death.
PEOPLE learned that the alleged incident occurred during an accidental shooting at an apartment in Naples, Fla. In the aftermath, Zecca was placed on psychiatric hold.
On Feb. 3, he was arrested on a Collier County Sheriff’s Office warrant charging him with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence, per a release. Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said detectives conducted an "exhaustive and thorough investigation" of the July incident that led to his arrest.
"This was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy," the sheriff said. "I commend their hard work and professionalism in uncovering the facts in an incredibly difficult case."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
