Socialite Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Hit-and-Run Deaths of Iskander Brothers
Rebecca Grossman, a prominent socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the tragic hit-and-run deaths of Mark and Jacob Iskander, aged 11 and 8 respectively. The sentencing comes nearly four years after the fatal incident that occurred on September 29, 2020, when Grossman struck the two boys with her Mercedes SUV while they were crossing a road with their family.
The case has drawn significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the deaths of the young brothers. During the trial, Grossman was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, and one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Grossman was driving at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone at the time of the collision. The boys were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk with their mother and youngest brother when they were hit. Witnesses reported that Grossman appeared to be racing another vehicle driven by her boyfriend at the time, former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson. Furthermore, it was revealed that Grossman had consumed alcohol and taken Valium before the incident, impairing her judgment.
Despite facing a maximum possible sentence of 34 years to life, the judge ordered Grossman to serve two concurrent 15-years-to-life sentences, plus an additional three years for the hit-and-run charge, also to be served concurrently. This decision has sparked outrage and disappointment from the Iskander family, who feel the sentence does not adequately reflect the severity of the loss of their two sons.
Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, expressed her profound grief and dissatisfaction with the sentence in multiple interviews. “It was the hardest day of the whole trial,” Iskander said. “I would compare Monday to September 29, 2020, almost to the same extent of pain.” She criticized the judge for treating the deaths of her two sons as if they were one, stating, “These are two boys, and they don’t go two-for-one.”
Throughout the trial and sentencing, Grossman has maintained that she did not see the boys in the road and has not admitted guilt. In a letter to the judge, she wrote, “I am not a murderer… As God is my witness, I did not see anyone or anything in the road. I swear to you, I would have driven my car into a tree to avoid hitting two little boys.”
During the sentencing hearing, Grossman delivered an emotional statement in court, directed at the Iskander family. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is to tell you how sorry I am… I just wanted to be a human being and talk to you parent to parent, mother to mother… I am so, so sorry!” Despite her tearful apology, Nancy Iskander felt Grossman’s words were insincere and lacked true remorse.
The Iskander family has channeled their grief into creating the Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation, aimed at helping underprivileged children and providing support for foster care and education. Nancy Iskander emphasized the importance of honoring her sons’ memory through positive actions, stating, “If they’re not here to do it, I am here to do it on their behalf.”
The community has rallied around the Iskander family, offering support and sharing memories of the boys. During the sentencing, numerous victim impact statements were delivered by family members, friends, and neighbors, painting a vivid picture of the lives lost and the impact on those left behind.