California Appellate Court Upholds Rebecca Grossman Murder Convictions in Westlake Village Crash Killing Two Young Brothers and Shocking Community

Rebecca Grossman, once a prominent figure in Los Angeles high society, will continue serving her sentence for the deaths of two young brothers after a California appellate court rejected her appeal.

Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, was originally convicted in 2024 for a 2020 hit-and-run that ended the lives of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander.

Appellate Court Affirms Murder Convictions

A three-judge panel from California’s Second Appellate District confirmed the jury’s verdict, holding Grossman responsible for two counts of second-degree murder.

The court also left intact her other convictions for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run resulting in death.

The decision ensures that Grossman will continue serving her sentence of 15 years to life in state prison.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stressed that the ruling reaffirms the fairness and legality of the convictions.

“Rebecca Grossman was convicted by a jury for the deliberate and reckless actions that resulted in the deaths of two children,” Hochman said.

“Excessive speeding through a pedestrian crosswalk after drinking is enough to demonstrate the intent required for second-degree murder.

Justice applies to everyone, regardless of wealth or social standing.”

The Tragic Night in Westlake Village

The fatal crash occurred in September 2020 on Triunfo Canyon Road in Westlake Village.

The Iskander family was crossing a marked crosswalk when Grossman, driving her Mercedes SUV, struck the two brothers.

Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, testified that she managed to pull her youngest child out of the way but watched in horror as Mark and Jacob were hit.

Evidence presented at trial showed Grossman’s SUV reached speeds of up to 81 mph in a 45 mph zone and continued driving for nearly half a mile after the impact.

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Legal Arguments and Defense Claims

Grossman’s defense argued on appeal that the evidence only supported a manslaughter conviction, claiming prosecutors failed to prove “implied malice” necessary for second-degree murder.

The appellate court rejected this argument, leaving the original verdict unchanged.

Prosecutors highlighted Grossman’s prior dangerous driving history, including a speeding citation from the California Highway Patrol.

They also presented evidence that she had been drinking earlier in the day and ignored the risks of speeding through a residential area.

Her defense tried to implicate former Major League Baseball pitcher Scott Erickson, who had been with Grossman earlier, suggesting his vehicle may have contributed to the crash.

Erickson faced a misdemeanor reckless driving charge, which was later dismissed.

Despite this, jurors determined Grossman’s actions alone met the legal standard for murder.

Public Attention and Social Standing

The case drew widespread attention not only because of its tragic nature but also due to Grossman’s high-profile status.

Before her arrest, she was known for her charitable work and her ties to the Grossman Burn Foundation, connected to her husband Dr. Peter H. Grossman’s network of medical centers.

The family lived in Hidden Hills and was active in elite social circles.

Prosecutors emphasized that Grossman’s wealth and social influence provided no shield from accountability.

During sentencing, they compared the force of the crash to a Mercedes plummeting from a 12-story building, underlining the severity of the tragedy.

Impact and Consequences

The appellate court’s ruling closes Grossman’s criminal appeal but leaves lingering civil matters.

The Iskander family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both Grossman and Erickson, which remains pending.

The case serves as a reminder that reckless driving, particularly under the influence of alcohol, carries severe legal consequences, regardless of social status.

What’s Next?

While Grossman remains behind bars, the civil lawsuit could result in further accountability and potential compensation for the Iskander family.

Legal experts note that civil cases can proceed independently of criminal convictions, meaning the families’ pursuit of justice is far from over.

Summary

Rebecca Grossman will continue serving a prison sentence for the deaths of Mark and Jacob Iskander after her appeal was denied.

The court upheld her murder convictions, dismissing defense arguments and confirming that reckless, high-speed driving in a residential area after drinking constitutes sufficient malice for second-degree murder.

The case underscores that privilege does not protect individuals from accountability.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Rebecca Grossman’s appeal was denied; she will continue serving 15 years to life in prison.
• Grossman was convicted of killing 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander in a 2020 hit-and-run.
• She was driving at 81 mph in a 45 mph zone through a residential crosswalk after drinking.
• Defense claims of manslaughter and attempts to blame Scott Erickson were rejected.
• The case highlights that social status and wealth offer no immunity from legal consequences; a civil wrongful death lawsuit remains pending.