Rebecca Grossman, center, walks with her family into Van Nuys court in Los Angeles County for the verdict on Feb. 23.Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file
In a high-profile case that has captivated the Los Angeles community, California socialite Rebecca Grossman has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Grossman, who co-founded the Grossman Burn Foundation, was found guilty of killing two young brothers, Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8, in a hit-and-run incident in Westlake Village on September 29, 2020.
Grossman’s Reckless Driving Leads to Tragedy
Grossman was driving at excessive speeds when she struck the Iskander brothers in a crosswalk. The boys were crossing the street with their family when Grossman’s car, following closely behind a vehicle driven by former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson, hit them. Erickson was not charged in the incident.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the gravity of Grossman’s actions. “The loss of these two innocent lives has devastated their family and our community. Ms. Grossman’s blatant disregard for human life is a stark reminder of the grave consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel,” Gascón stated.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
In February, a jury convicted Grossman on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. Prosecutors had pushed for a sentence of 34 years to life, highlighting the severity of the crimes.
During the sentencing, Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, confronted Grossman, stating that she had shown no remorse for the deaths of her children. Grossman, in a letter to the judge, maintained her innocence, claiming, “I am not a murderer” and insisting she did not see anyone in the road. “I swear to you, I would have driven my car into a tree to avoid hitting two little boys,” she wrote.
Community and Family Impact
The case has had a profound impact on the community and the family of the victims. Allen Castellano, chief of the county sheriff’s North Patrol Division, expressed hope that the sentence would provide some solace to the grieving family. “This individual showed a complete disregard for the lives and safety of others in our community through her reckless actions, which ultimately shattered a family and robbed two children of their bright futures,” Castellano said.
Grossman’s sentencing marks a significant moment for the Los Angeles area, reminding residents of the serious consequences of reckless driving. The Grossman Burn Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband Dr. Peter H. Grossman, and named after Peter Grossman’s father, Dr. A. Richard Grossman, has been an important philanthropic organization in the community. However, this tragedy has cast a shadow over their contributions.
Sentencing and Public Response
The public response to Grossman’s sentencing has been mixed, with some calling for even harsher penalties. The courtroom was filled with emotional testimony and powerful statements from both the victims’ family and the defense. Grossman’s legal team argued that she did not intend to harm anyone, but the jury’s conviction reflects the community’s demand for justice.
This case continues to resonate deeply within Los Angeles, serving as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with driving. The sentencing of Rebecca Grossman underscores the legal system’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when those actions result in the loss of innocent lives.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on supporting the Iskander family and preventing such tragedies in the future. The story of Mark and Jacob Iskander will not be forgotten, and their memory will continue to inspire efforts toward safer streets and more responsible driving behaviors.
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