Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Fatal Crash That Killed Two Brothers in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 10, 2024) — Rebecca Grossman, a 60-year-old socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, was sentenced today to 15 years to life in state prison for the 2020 crash that killed 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his 8-year-old brother Jacob. The verdict was delivered at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, where Judge Joseph Brandolino handed down the maximum allowable term.
The incident occurred on September 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, California. According to prosecutors, Grossman was driving her Mercedes-Benz SUV at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour when she struck the two boys as they crossed a street with their family in a marked crosswalk. Witnesses reported that she fled the scene before being apprehended by law enforcement. The investigation revealed a blood alcohol content slightly above the legal limit, and Grossman was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run resulting in death.
During the trial, defense attorneys argued that Grossman acted in a moment of panic rather than with intent, citing her charitable work and lack of prior criminal record. However, the jury convicted her on all counts in February 2024, emphasizing the reckless nature of her driving and the fatal consequences. Emotional testimony from the victims' mother, Nancy Iskander, highlighted the devastating impact of losing her sons.
The sentence is expected to be appealed by Grossman’s legal team, but for now, she remains in custody at the Century Regional Detention Facility. The case has drawn widespread attention, sparking discussions on accountability for high-profile individuals involved in vehicular fatalities.