Socialite Rebecca Grossman has been handed a sentence of 15 years to life after her conviction for the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two young brothers.
On the evening of September 29, 2020, Mark Iskander, 11, and his younger brother Jacob, 8, were crossing a street in Westlake Village, California with their family at approximately 7:10pm. Tragically, they were struck by a car driven by Rebecca Grossman, following closely behind another vehicle driven by Scott Erickson, a known American baseball coach.
Earlier that day, both Grossman and Erickson were reported to have been consuming cocktails before deciding to drive. While Erickson managed to swerve and avoid the family, Grossman, who was trailing behind, was not able to stop in time, hitting the young boys.
A crash expert during the trial testified that Grossman was allegedly driving at speeds up to 81mph just before the collision.
Following the incident, Grossman faced charges and was ultimately convicted of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter, and one count of hit-and-run driving.
The prosecution argued that Grossman had driven recklessly and was under the influence of both alcohol and valium, showing ‘a complete lack of remorse and narcissistic superiority’, as reported by ABC 7 Chicago. They contended this behavior made her undeserving of leniency.
Despite these allegations, during her sentencing Grossman insisted that she had not seen the boys due to the dark and claimed she was neither impaired by alcohol nor racing Erickson. She expressed her devastation over the accident, stating, “I never saw anyone. I would have driven into a brick wall… I don’t know why God did not take my life,” she lamented.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino, Grossman pleaded for recognition of her character, asserting, “I am not a murderer,” as quoted by the New York Post.
Grossman also addressed the victims’ family directly, expressing her sorrow and regret: “I’ve waited four years to say I’m sorry to you… I would have wanted God to take my life that night. If I could just bring Mark and Jacob back, I would give my life.”
On the contrary, Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, recalled seeing Grossman outside the hospital on the night of the accident, claiming Grossman failed to acknowledge her grief, a claim Grossman rebutted by noting her legal advice at the time.
While Grossman’s defense team suggested probation or a minimal prison term given her philanthropic efforts, the prosecution pushed for a much sterner sentence of up to 34 years. Judge Brandolino ultimately sentenced Grossman to 15 years to life and mandated her to pay $47,161.89 in restitution to the Iskander family.
In memory of Mark and Jacob, their family and community have established a foundation. Its mission is to ‘ensure the love and kindness that Mark and Jacob left us with, is not only remembered, but multiplied.’ The foundation supports orphans in Egypt, impoverished youths, and foster children.
If you are experiencing grief and need support, Cruse Bereavement Care offers confidential assistance through their national helpline at 0808 808 1677.