They took two young lives and now claim they have almost nothing left to pay

After a court ordered a $176 million payout, a former baseball star and a prominent doctor say their riches are gone.

When a family loses their children, no amount of money can fix the pain. But when the people responsible claim they cannot pay, it feels like a second blow.

What Happened

Former baseball pitcher Scott Erickson and Dr. Peter Grossman are back in court. They are testifying about their hidden cash, property, and jailhouse phone calls.

This comes after a jury decided they must pay the Iskander family $176 million for the deaths of two young boys. Now, the jury must decide if they owe even more.

Despite having six years to prepare for this day, both men claim their wealth is gone. Erickson says his bank account is down to just $9,000.

What the money/evidence shows

A jury already awarded the Iskander family $176 million.
Former MLB player Scott Erickson claims he only has $9,000 left.
Dr. Peter Grossman claims his family income has dried up.
The defendants had six years to plan and prepare their finances.
Court discussions now focus on hidden assets and recorded prison phone calls.

The Bigger Question

This case makes us ask how the justice system tracks wealth when lives are lost. How can people with historic fortunes suddenly show up to court with nearly empty pockets?

We must wonder if our laws do enough to protect victims' families from financial hide-and-seek.

The Other Side

The defense argues that legal fees, lost work, and public backlash have ruined their finances honestly. They claim the drop in their net worth is real, not a trick to avoid paying.

Based on their past earnings and assets, this claim will be hard for many on the jury to believe without clear proof.

What Happens Now

Jurors are looking closely at bank statements and phone records to find the truth. Their final decision will set the actual penalty the defendants must pay.

For regular families, this trial shows how long and painful the fight for justice can be, even after a guilty verdict.

What We Still Don't Know

Where did the rest of the defendants' millions actually go?
Will the Iskander family ever see the full $176 million already awarded to them?
What do the recorded prison phone calls reveal about hidden assets?

Transparency notes

Published: Jun 5, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.

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Sources

External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.