He was brought up by Duane Chapman Sr. and his first wife, La Fonda Sue Darnall. Leland Chapman was raised primarily in Pampa, Texas, but was born in Groom.
He moved to Colorado when he was still a young adolescent. He had a tendency to abandon school and flee his house. Leland Chapman commonly became a member of a gang. He had to go into foster care first, and then a facility for boys. He left there as well.
Leland Chapman ultimately resided with his father. He learned martial arts and boxing, and at the age of 18, he received his high school diploma.
