Rebecca Grossman, a wealthy California socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the hit-and-run killings of two children in a crosswalk.
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The tragic incident occurred on September 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, a suburb of Los Angeles.
The Incident
Grossman was speeding when she struck and killed 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his 8-year-old brother, Jacob, as they crossed the street.
The accident happened while Grossman was driving behind her then-lover, former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson. Erickson was not charged in connection with the incident.
Legal Proceedings
In February 2024, a jury convicted Grossman on multiple counts, including:
– Two counts of second-degree murder
– Two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence
– One count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 34 years to life, but Grossman was sentenced to 15 years to life.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the gravity of Grossman’s actions, stating, “The loss of these two innocent lives has devastated their family and our community. Ms. Grossman’s blatant disregard for human life is a stark reminder of the grave consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel.”
During the sentencing, Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, expressed her anguish and noted that Grossman had shown no remorse. Grossman, however, maintained her innocence, claiming she did not see the boys and would have avoided the collision if she could.
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Professional and Personal Life
Rebecca Grossman co-founded the Grossman Burn Foundation with her husband, Dr. Peter H. Grossman, who is a plastic surgeon and the head of the Grossman Burn Center.
The foundation is known for its philanthropic work in burn care and rehabilitation.
Grossman’s career includes various roles such as:
– Flight attendant at Southwest Airlines
– Researcher and writer
– Marketing executive
– CEO of Powerhouse Lux Media
She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2002 with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Personal Life and Relationships
Despite being married to Dr. Peter Grossman, Rebecca was dating Scott Erickson at the time of the incident. Dr. Grossman defended his wife in court, challenging expert opinions regarding the speed of her vehicle during the accident.
Allen Castellano, chief of the county sheriff’s North Patrol Division, expressed hope that the sentence would provide some comfort to the Iskander family. He highlighted the reckless nature of Grossman’s actions and the devastating impact on the community.
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