Rebecca Grossman, a well-known socialite from Los Angeles, has been found guilty of murder in a heartbreaking incident that took place in Westlake Village. The tragic crash, which occurred in 2020, resulted in the deaths of two young brothers, ages 8 and 11. Grossman, who is the co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges on Friday.
After two days of deliberations, a nine-man, three-woman jury reached a verdict, finding Rebecca Grossman guilty of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and hit-and-run resulting in death. The jury carefully considered the evidence presented during the trial, which lasted for several years. Grossman’s defense team had argued that her then-boyfriend, former Dodger Scott Erickson, was responsible for the fatal crash. However, the jury ultimately rejected this claim.
As a result of the guilty verdict, Rebecca Grossman could face up to 34 years to life in state prison. The charges she was convicted of include two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and hit-and-run resulting in death. Grossman, who has been free on a $2 million bond throughout the trial, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10.
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The loss of the two young brothers, Mark and Jacob Iskander, has left their family devastated. Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, expressed her heartbreak and shared that attending the trial felt like reliving her sons’ funeral. Despite the tragedy, she emphasized that she holds no hatred towards Rebecca Grossman and hopes that the justice system will bring closure.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Nancy Iskander praised the prosecutors for their tireless efforts in seeking the truth. She acknowledged the challenges they faced while going up against the defense team. Nancy Iskander expressed her gratitude for a justice system that holds individuals accountable regardless of their wealth or social standing.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Rebecca Grossman was impaired and speeding in her white Mercedes-Benz SUV when she struck the two boys. They presented evidence that Grossman was driving at over 70 mph in a marked crosswalk, where the family was crossing Triunfo Canyon Road. The tragic accident occurred on September 29, 2020.
Rebecca Grossman’s defense team, led by attorney Tony Buzbee, contended that Scott Erickson, her then-boyfriend, was the one who struck the boys with his black SUV. However, Erickson was never called to testify in the case. Buzbee questioned why the prosecution failed to call him as a witness and argued that authorities did not thoroughly investigate the crash to determine who was responsible.
During the trial, witnesses provided crucial testimony regarding the events leading up to the crash. The parents of the boys recalled hearing a car speeding towards them and attempting to protect their children. Tragically, Mark and Jacob Iskander were struck by the vehicle. Prosecutors presented debris from the crash that matched Rebecca Grossman’s white Mercedes-Benz SUV, further supporting their case.
The prosecution highlighted that Grossman was driving at a high speed of 81 mph in a 45-mph zone shortly before the collision. They argued that she was aware of the dangers of speeding and that her actions demonstrated gross negligence. Additionally, the prosecution contended that Grossman was impaired at the time of the crash.
With Rebecca Grossman’s sentencing scheduled for April 10, the Iskander family hopes that it will bring closure to their painful ordeal. They expressed their trust in the justice system and emphasized their commitment to doing good in the memory of Mark and Jacob.
