Jordan Aronson, 24, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of probation for the 2023 death of his uncle, Scott Grebler, a prominent philanthropist. Aronson pleaded guilty last month to manslaughter with a weapon.
The incident occurred on June 13, 2023, when Aronson, who was staying with his uncle at his $3 million Tampa mansion, drove his Jeep Wrangler into Grebler. Surveillance footage captured Aronson backing out of the driveway and then accelerating, striking Grebler and pushing his body against a palm tree, according to Assistant State Attorney Melissa Grajales.
Grebler, 59, was transported to Tampa General Hospital and placed on a ventilator. He died days later from skull and brain injuries sustained in the collision. Aronson, who has a significant online following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram where he posts baseball pitching advice, initially pleaded not guilty to second-degree homicide charges.
Aronson's defense claimed Grebler, who had Parkinson's disease and reportedly experienced delusions, accused his nephew of theft and became violent. Aronson alleged that Grebler stalked him for hours and threw rocks at the Jeep. Court documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times indicate Grebler was seen on surveillance footage throwing a ceramic mug on the driveway and placing the pieces under the Jeep's tires before taking Aronson's bag from the vehicle and pursuing him.
Aronson then entered the Jeep and backed out of the driveway. Grebler was observed running toward the vehicle and throwing a binder at it before Aronson drove forward. After leaving the scene, Aronson called the police, stating his uncle had attempted to attack him, leading him to hit Grebler with the car.
Prosecutors raised questions about Aronson's account, noting discrepancies between his statements and video evidence. Specifically, officers stated the Jeep's tires were not turned while parked, contradicting Aronson's claim that he re-entered the driveway to straighten them. These inconsistencies led prosecutors to file second-degree murder charges.
The case proceeded for nearly two years until prosecutors offered a plea deal. The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office cited Aronson's immediate call to police, his lack of prior criminal history, cooperation with authorities, and the fact that he was assisting Grebler with medical issues as factors in the decision. The family also expressed a desire for Aronson not to face criminal charges.
"While the wishes of a victim's family are important to us, it is also our responsibility to make charging decisions based on the law and the evidence," said Erin Maloney, a spokeswoman for the State Attorney's Office. "The defendant should still be held accountable for his actions."
As part of the plea agreement, Aronson must also complete 50 hours of community service and an anger management course. Grebler, a founding member of the nonprofit 13 Ugly Men, was remembered by friends as a philanthropist dedicated to community events and fundraising for children's organizations. He operated Massage Envy franchises in South Florida and had no children. 
