Southern California Socialite Found Guilty of Murder in Hit-and-Run Case

A prominent socialite in Southern California, Rebecca Grossman, was convicted on Friday of murder and other charges in the hit-and-run deaths of two young brothers in a crosswalk over three years ago. The tragic incident took place in Westlake Village, a city on the western edge of Los Angeles County, where Grossman fatally struck Mark Iskander, 11, and his brother Jacob, 8, while allegedly speeding behind a car driven by her then-lover, Scott Erickson, a former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher.

Guilty Verdict and Charges

Following a trial, the jury found Grossman guilty on all charges, including two felony counts each of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter, as well as one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. The severity of the charges means that Grossman could face 34 years to life in prison for her actions on that fateful evening.

Impact on the Victims' Family

After the verdict was announced, Nancy Iskander, the mother of the two boys, expressed her feelings to reporters, stating that attending the court proceedings "felt like I am attending the funeral of the boys again, day after day." She further emphasized, "Someone is now held accountable. Mark and Jacob did not die, Mark and Jacob were murdered."

Evidence and Testimony

The prosecution presented compelling evidence that the data recorder in Grossman’s white Mercedes showed she was speeding at up to 81 mph (130 kph) and had tapped her brakes, slowing down to 73 mph (117 kph) less than two seconds before the collision that resulted in the deaths of the two young brothers. Additionally, former baseball player Royce Clayton testified that he had been with Grossman and Erickson at a nearby restaurant, where Erickson had consumed two margaritas and Grossman one.

The Defense's Stance

In her defense, Grossman's lead attorney, Tony Buzbee, sought to shift the blame onto Erickson, claiming that the retired baseball player's vehicle was responsible for the tragic incident. Buzbee alleged that Erickson's car had hit Jacob, throwing him onto a curb, and then struck Mark, propelling him into the path of Grossman’s Mercedes. However, no comment was provided by Buzbee following the announcement of the verdict.

Grossman's Husband Testifies

During the trial, Dr. Peter Grossman, a prominent figure as the medical director of the Grossman Burn Centers, and his wife's defense, testified that the couple was living separate lives under the same roof at the time, with Rebecca involved with Erickson in 2020. However, under prosecution questioning, Peter Grossman stated that despite having ridden with his wife numerous times, he had no recollection of her ever speeding.

Final Remarks

The district attorney's office commended the jury for its ruling, emphasizing its commitment to holding individuals accountable for driving with total disregard for human life. While the guilty verdict cannot replace the loss of the two young lives, it is hoped that it may provide some solace for the Iskander family as they continue to navigate the lifelong journey of healing from this tragedy.