Rebecca Grossman Sentenced for Fatal Crash That Killed Two Young Boys
Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Her conviction stems from a tragic car crash in September 2020 that claimed the lives of two young boys, Mark and Jacob Iskander, aged 11 and 8, in Westlake Village.
Emotional Courtroom Scene
During the sentencing, emotions ran high. Grossman, who turned 61 this Friday, listened tearfully as victim impact statements were read. The boys’ family members, including their mother, uncle, and grandmother, shared heart-wrenching stories and expressed their profound loss.
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Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Prosecutors had urged Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino to impose a longer sentence of 34 years to life, citing Grossman’s lack of remorse and the severity of her actions. They emphasized that Grossman was driving her white Mercedes-Benz SUV at high speeds and had both alcohol and valium in her system when she struck the boys in a marked crosswalk.
Defense attorneys, however, sought a more lenient sentence, arguing for probation or a shorter prison term of just over 12 years. They contended that the incident was a tragic accident and not deserving of a life sentence.
Grossman’s Statement
In a letter to the judge, Grossman expressed her sorrow and claimed she did not see the boys in the road. “I am not a murderer,” she wrote, asking the court to consider her ongoing suffering and the pain she feels for the Iskander family. During her sentencing, Grossman apologized to the boys’ parents, saying she had waited four years to express her regret.
Details of the Incident
The fatal crash occurred in the community northwest of Los Angeles. Evidence presented at trial indicated that Grossman was driving between 73 to 81 mph in a 45 mph zone. Prosecutors stated that Grossman did not stop at the scene or offer aid, and her SUV’s airbag was deployed by the impact.
Claims of Misrepresentation
Grossman has maintained her innocence, asserting that she was not impaired and that her actions have been misrepresented. She accused the prosecution of distorting the facts to paint her as a cold-blooded killer.
Community and Family Reactions
The community of Westlake Village has been deeply affected by the tragedy. A memorial was created to honor the Iskander brothers, and the trial has been an emotionally charged journey for their family. Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, spoke directly to Grossman during the sentencing, accusing her of lying and showing no remorse.
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Legal Proceedings
Grossman was convicted on February 23 of two counts of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and one count of hit-and-run driving. After the verdict, she was immediately taken into custody. Her attorneys have 60 days to file an appeal.
Prosecutors’ Perspective
Deputy District Attorneys Ryan Gould, Jamie Castro, and Habib Balian argued that Grossman’s actions demonstrated a “narcissistic superiority” and a lack of genuine remorse. They noted that she had attempted to blame the victims and others, including ex-boyfriend Scott Erickson, for the crash.
Defense’s Counterarguments
In their sentencing brief, defense attorneys James Spertus and Samuel Josephs contended that Grossman’s actions did not warrant the harshest punishment. They described the incident as a “terrible accident” and argued that a life sentence was excessive.
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Conclusion
The trial and sentencing of Rebecca Grossman have been a significant and emotional event for the families involved and the community of Westlake Village. While the legal battle continues with the possibility of an appeal, the Iskander family hopes for closure and justice for Mark and Jacob.
