Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal High-Speed Crash That Killed Two Children
LOS ANGELES, CA — On Monday, a Los Angeles County judge sentenced Rebecca Grossman, a 60-year-old socialite and wife of a prominent surgeon, to 15 years to life in prison for the 2020 deaths of two young brothers in a high-speed crash, concluding a high-profile trial that drew national attention. The verdict, handed down on April 22, 2024, followed Grossman’s conviction on two counts of second-degree murder and other charges after she struck 8-year-old Mark Iskander and 11-year-old Jacob Iskander in a crosswalk with her Mercedes-Benz SUV in Westlake Village. According to prosecutors, Grossman was driving at an estimated speed of 81 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone shortly after consuming alcohol and prescription drugs. The incident occurred on September 29, 2020, when the Iskander family was crossing a street near their home. Survivors of the victims, including the parents Rachael and Karim Iskander, testified during the emotional sentencing hearing, describing their ongoing grief. Grossman’s legal team argued for a lesser sentence, citing her lack of prior criminal history and community service, but the judge rejected pleas for leniency, stating her actions showed a reckless disregard for human life. The case has sparked broad discussions about vehicular manslaughter laws and the influence of privilege in the justice system, with the Iskander family expressing relief at what they called accountability for the tragedy. Grossman will serve a minimum of 15 years due to California’s parole eligibility rules for murder convictions.