Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in Fatal Crash That Killed Two Boys
Every parent's worst nightmare became a tragic reality in Westlake Village, California, and now the socialite responsible faces the consequences. Here are the top five things you need to know about the Rebecca Grossman case.
- The fatal crash that claimed two young lives: On September 29, 2020, Grossman, while driving her Mercedes SUV at speeds up to 81 mph in a 45 mph zone, struck and killed Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8, as they crossed a street with their mother. The boys were thrown 250 feet, and their mother survived with severe injuries.
- A high-profile trial and emotional testimony: The case gripped the nation with heart-wrenching testimony from the boys' mother, Nancy Iskander, who described the moment she heard the impact and saw her sons being hurled through the air. Grossman's defense claimed she did not see the boys, but prosecutors argued she was driving recklessly with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit and with a mixture of prescription drugs in her system.
- Sentencing and maximum punishment: On February 23, 2024, Grossman was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, and one count of hit-and-run driving. The judge cited her "extreme indifference to human life," rejecting her request for probation.
- The controversial Scott Peterson connection: Adding to the surreal nature of the case, Grossman’s defense team included a mention of convicted murderer Scott Peterson's ongoing appeals in a sentencing brief—a move that was widely condemned as a bizarre and insensitive distraction from the victims' family.
- A community forever changed: The Iskander family, known for their work in pediatric dentistry and community service, has since advocated for stricter