Rebecca Grossman, a wealthy Los Angeles socialite, is seeking to have her double murder conviction overturned after she plowed her car into two young brothers on a crosswalk. The incident occurred in 2020 in Westlake Village, resulting in the tragic deaths of Jacob and Mark Iskander. Grossman, who was on a date with former MLB pitcher Scott Erickson at the time, was driving at a high rate of speed after drinking when the accident occurred.
During her trial, Grossman was found guilty of second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, as well as hit-and-run driving resulting in death. She was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison and ordered to pay $47,000 to the victims’ family. However, her attorney is now arguing that the judge did not provide adequate instructions to the jury, leading to a prejudicial element in the trial.
The appellate court heard arguments from Grossman’s lawyer, Lara Gressley, who claimed that the prosecution failed to prove that Grossman was aware her actions would result in a “high probability of death.” Gressley argued that Grossman did not have a conscious disregard for human life and that the evidence showed she cared about human life. However, the court also considered evidence that Grossman was engaged in racing behavior and showed a lack of remorse after the accident.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Grossman’s husband, Dr. Peter Grossman, has stood by her side. The Iskander family, who lost their two sons in the tragic accident, have since moved out of California to start a new life amid their grief. Supporters of the Iskander family have expressed their frustration with Grossman’s lack of acknowledgment of her actions and the impact it had on their lives.
As the appellate court deliberates on Grossman’s appeal, the Iskander family and their supporters continue to seek justice for Jacob and Mark. The outcome of the case will determine whether Grossman’s conviction will be overturned, allowing her to potentially avoid a life sentence for the deaths of the two young boys.
