Rebecca Grossman Wiki: Socialite Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Crash That Killed Two Brothers
Rebecca Grossman, a prominent socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, was sentenced on Monday to 15 years to life in prison for her involvement in a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two young brothers in 2020. The sentencing followed her conviction by a Los Angeles jury in February on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and one count of hit-and-run driving.
The fatal incident occurred on September 29, 2020, when Grossman’s white Mercedes-Benz SUV struck 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his 8-year-old brother Jacob as they walked with their family in a marked crosswalk in Westlake Village. The crash left the community and the boys’ family devastated, sparking a highly publicized legal battle.
During the sentencing, Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino rejected the prosecution’s request for a harsher sentence of 34 years to life. He stated that while Grossman’s actions were “incredibly selfish,” a longer term was “just not warranted here.” Instead, he acknowledged her lack of a prior criminal record and her history of philanthropic work, though he emphasized the “unimaginable loss” experienced by the victims’ family.
Prosecutors described Grossman’s behavior as demonstrating a “complete lack of remorse and narcissistic superiority,” arguing that she deserved the maximum sentence. They highlighted that Grossman was driving at speeds up to 81 mph, nearly twice the legal limit, and had both alcohol and valium in her system at the time of the crash. Despite these aggravating factors, Grossman’s defense attorneys argued that the crash was a terrible accident rather than a crime deserving of life imprisonment.
Throughout the trial, Grossman maintained her innocence regarding intentional wrongdoing. In a letter to the judge, she expressed deep sorrow for the tragedy, insisting she did not see the boys in the road and would have taken drastic measures to avoid the collision if she had. She also claimed her actions after the crash, which included fleeing the scene and not offering medical aid, were misunderstood and influenced by poor legal advice.
The boys’ mother, Nancy Iskander, provided a poignant victim impact statement during the sentencing. She recounted seeing Grossman at the hospital the night of the crash and accused her of showing no genuine remorse. The prosecution refuted defense claims that former LA Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson, who was driving a separate vehicle, might have hit the boys first, calling it a “ridiculous theory” unsupported by evidence.
The case has drawn significant media attention, not only due to the horrific nature of the incident but also because of Grossman’s high-profile status and the legal complexities involved. Grossman, who will turn 61 on Friday, co-founded the Grossman Burn Foundation, a philanthropic organization associated with the Grossman Burn Centers. Her involvement in charitable activities contrasted sharply with the reckless behavior described by prosecutors.
Grossman begins her prison term, she will be eligible for parole in approximately nine years. Her defense team has 60 days to file an appeal. The sentence aims to balance the need for justice for the Iskander family and the recognition of Grossman’s personal suffering and lack of prior criminal behavior.