Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in Prison for Fatal Crash Involving Two Children
LOS ANGELES, CA — A judge on Monday sentenced Rebecca Grossman, a 60-year-old socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, to 15 years to life in state prison for the 2020 deaths of two young brothers in a high-speed hit-and-run crash. The verdict was delivered in Los Angeles County Superior Court following a trial that concluded in February 2024, where Grossman was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, and one count of hit-and-run causing death.
According to court documents, Grossman was driving her Mercedes-Benz SUV at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour in a residential zone on September 29, 2020, in the Westlake Village area. She struck 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his 8-year-old brother Jacob Iskander, who were crossing the street with their family. The children died at the scene. Investigators reported that Grossman fled the crash site but was apprehended shortly after. Witnesses and phone data indicated she had consumed alcohol prior to the incident, though her blood alcohol level was not immediately deemed illegal under state law. The prosecution argued her reckless disregard for safety constituted implied malice.
During the sentencing hearing, victims’ family members delivered emotional impact statements, while Grossman expressed remorse. Judge Eleanor Hunter adhered to the maximum sentence allowed under the murder charges, citing the severity of the loss and Grossman’s actions. Defense attorneys plan to appeal, citing procedural errors. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting issues of vehicular negligence and DUI-related fatalities.