Rich Californian Rebecca Grossman was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison on Monday for the hit-and-run deaths of two toddlers more than three years ago. Rebecca Grossman is a co-founder of a burn center foundation in the Los Angeles area. On September 29, 2020, Grossman struck and murdered Mark Iskander, 11, and his brother Jacob, 8, as they were in a crossing in the Westlake Village neighborhood of the Los Angeles region. Grossman was driving at the time.
The tragedy has had a profound impact on the Iskander family and the local community. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón commented on the case, stating, “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.” His words highlight the deep sorrow and frustration felt by those affected by this tragic event.
In February, a jury convicted Grossman on multiple charges: 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. This conviction underscores the severity of her actions and the legal system’s response to such reckless behavior.
Grossman, now 60, was reportedly speeding behind a car driven by her then-lover, former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson, at the time of the accident. Erickson, however, was not charged in connection with the incident. Prosecutors had initially sought a much harsher sentence of 34 years to life, reflecting the gravity of the crimes and the devastating impact on the victims’ family.
During the sentencing, Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, expressed her anguish and disappointment with Grossman’s lack of remorse. She told Grossman that she had not shown any regret for the deaths of her two sons. This sentiment was echoed by many who followed the case, as Grossman’s perceived lack of contrition added to the community’s grief.
In a letter to the judge, Grossman attempted to defend herself, stating, “I am not a murderer” and insisting that she did not see anyone or anything in the road. She claimed, “As God is my witness, I did not see anyone or anything in the road. I swear to you, I would have driven my car into a tree to avoid hitting two little boys.” Her defense, however, did little to sway the judge or the victims’ grieving family.
Grossman co-founded the Grossman Burn Foundation along with her husband, Dr. Peter H. Grossman. The philanthropic foundation is an arm of the Grossman Burn Centers, which was originally founded by Dr. A. Richard Grossman, Peter Grossman’s father. The foundation has been involved in numerous charitable activities, focusing on burn care and prevention. However, this high-profile case has overshadowed her philanthropic efforts, bringing significant negative attention to the foundation and its work.
Allen Castellano, chief of the county sheriff’s North Patrol Division, said in a statement that he hoped the sentence would give the family some comfort. He remarked, “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.” His statement reflects the broader community sentiment and the hope for some measure of justice and closure for the Iskander family.
The case also highlighted broader issues of road safety and the consequences of reckless driving. Many community members and advocates have used the tragedy to call for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater awareness about the dangers of speeding and distracted driving. The deaths of Mark and Jacob Iskander serve as a tragic reminder of the potential consequences of such behavior and the need for ongoing public education and policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
