Jordan Aronson created a fan base by posting his tips on how to pitch and workout in videos on social media. Thousands had watched the 24-year-old former college pitcher from Lynn University post on TikTok and Instagram. On July 13, 2026, the same man appeared in court in Tampa and was sentenced to 10 years in Florida state prison.
Aronson confessed to manslaughter with a weapon in his uncle’s killing, Scott Grebler. The initial charge of second-degree murder had been reduced through a plea bargain. Circuit Judge Gregory Green handed down the agreed-upon sentence: 10 years in prison, then five years of probation, along with 50 hours of community service and an anger management class.
What happened leading up to that took place on the morning of June 13, 2023, outside the house belonging to Grebler in the Tampa area of Bayshore Beautiful. Aronson, who at the time was 21, had been living with his uncle for some weeks. Grebler, 59, had co-founded the nonprofit 13 Ugly Men in the area, which was famous for hosting events where money raised would go toward various causes.
The verbal confrontation occurred because of alleged money that was missing. Video footage was made of the whole episode. According to prosecutors, there was no physical contact between the two men. Aronson started backing up his jeep from the driveway. Grebler threw papers and a three-ring binder toward the vehicle.
Aronson then accelerated forward. According to the account given in court by Assistant State Attorney Melissa Grajales, the Jeep struck Grebler and rammed his body into a nearby palm tree. The individual who was walking his dog witnessed the car’s movement and heard screaming and eventually saw Grebler unconscious and bleeding. After the incident, Aronson called 911 to report that he had struck a man who was his uncle and that he required help.
Grebler sustained severe damage to the skull and brain. The patient was placed on a ventilator at Tampa General Hospital, where he died eight days later, on June 21, 2023. Aronson was arrested for second-degree murder in Fort Lauderdale two days later. The taping was compared to his early statements to police, in which he stated that Grebler had assaulted him.
The case moved slowly for nearly three years. In March 2026, days before a scheduled trial, Aronson’s defense team changed. On July 13 he accepted the reduced charge. Prosecutors cited his lack of a prior criminal record, the prompt 911 call, Grebler’s medical issues, and the family’s preference against criminal charges as factors in the deal. A Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office spokesperson said family wishes matter, but charging decisions rest on the law and the evidence, and accountability was still required.
Defense attorney Robert Malove described Aronson as having “snapped” after trying to keep his composure. Grebler’s friends remembered him as a generous mentor figure in the community.
