Jordan Aronson, a 24-year-old social media influencer, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter for ramming his millionaire philanthropist uncle into a palm tree with his Jeep. The incident occurred in June 2023 at the victim's $3 million mansion in Tampa, Florida, and resulted in the death of Scott Grebler, a co-founder of the nonprofit 13 Ugly Men.
Fatal Incident and Surveillance Evidence
Aronson, who was a college sophomore at the time, was caught on surveillance footage backing out of the driveway and speeding forward, ramming Grebler's body into a palm tree. Grebler was rushed to the hospital with severe skull and brain injuries, placed on a ventilator, and pronounced dead several days later. Assistant State Attorney Melissa Grajales revealed the details at a plea hearing last month, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
Aronson, who shares workout advice and baseball pitching tips on social media, has 52,000 TikTok followers and 23,000 on Instagram. He initially pleaded not guilty to second-degree homicide, claiming his uncle, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, was often delusional and had accused him of stealing money and possessions.
Defense Claims and Video Refutation
Aronson's lawyer argued that on the morning of the crash, Grebler became violent, throwing rocks at the Jeep and a ceramic mug onto the driveway, placing pieces under the tires. The lawyer claimed Grebler took Aronson's bag and followed him in an attempt to start a physical fight. When Aronson got into the Jeep and backed out, Grebler ran toward the car and threw a three-ring binder at it.
After the crash, Aronson called police, saying, “my uncle tried to f****** attack me when I was getting out my car and I hit him with my car.” However, video evidence later refuted some of his claims. Prosecutors filed second-degree murder charges, but after years of legal proceedings, a plea bargain was reached, considering Aronson's lack of prior criminal record, Grebler's medical issues, and Aronson's prompt call to police.
Plea and Sentencing
Aronson pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a weapon last month, according to Court TV. Erin Maloney, spokesperson for the Hillsborough State Attorney's Office, noted that the victim's family did not want Aronson 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,” Maloney said. “The defendant should still be held accountable for his actions.”
In addition to the 10-year prison term, Aronson will serve five years of probation, complete 50 hours of community service, and attend an anger management course. Friends of Grebler described the case as “horrible” and “tragic.”
Legacy of the Victim
Scott Grebler, 59, was a beloved figure in the Tampa community. Anthony Rickman, a criminal defense attorney who served on the board of 13 Ugly Men, called him “a brother to everyone in the group” and said “his memory will always live on and his footprint in the community will last forever.” The nonprofit, founded by Grebler and other local business owners in the 1990s, was known for “party with a purpose,” hosting events to raise funds for children's charities. In February 2023, just months before his death, the Tampa City Council recognized the organization for its outstanding community contribution.
