Fatal Crash After Boozy Lunch and Alleged Dodgers Lover’s Involvement
Rebecca Grossman, a 60-year-old married socialite, is facing second-degree murder charges for a tragic crash on September 29, 2020, where two boys, Jacob Iskander, eight, and his brother Mark, 11, lost their lives.
Prosecutors claim that Grossman had a boozy lunch with her alleged former LA Dodgers star lover, Scott Erickson, before getting into her Mercedes SUV and hitting the boys.
Jury Selection Commences in Van Nuys Trial
Jury selection began on Tuesday for Grossman’s trial in Van Nuys, Los Angeles County. Grossman denies driving at 81mph and insists that her car did not hit the boys.
The prosecution alleges that Grossman and Erickson were driving separately after their lunch at Julio’s in Westlake Village, heading to a Westlake Village apartment when the tragedy occurred.
Legal Outcomes for Erickson and Unusual Murder Charges
Scott Erickson, now 55, was charged with a misdemeanor related to the incident, and his case concluded in February 2022 with a judge ordering a public service announcement about safe driving.
The murder charges against Grossman are unusual as there is no charge of driving under the influence, despite an on-site breathalyzer test showing a blood alcohol content slightly below California’s legal limit.
Prosecution’s Case: Impairment and Racing Allegations
Prosecutors will argue that Grossman, allegedly under the influence of Valium, was impaired when she drove.
They contend that Grossman and Erickson “raced” their SUVs through Westlake Village before the fatal crash.
The defense plans to argue that another vehicle hit the boys, exonerating Grossman and Erickson.
Witness Testimony and Controversial Details
Prosecutors intend to call witnesses, including a California Highway Patrol officer who previously pulled over Grossman in 2013 for speeding at 92 mph.
Details of the lunch and alleged affair between Grossman and Erickson were initially not intended to be revealed, but became relevant due to the defense’s claims about the black car involved in the incident.
Tragedy from the Perspective of the Boys’ Mother
Nancy Iskander, the mother of the boys, expressed that she couldn’t identify which of the two vehicles hit her sons.
She described the SUVs’ zigzagging and speeding behavior, expressing her shock at the lack of intervention before and after the intersection.
Expected Testimonies and Potential Sentence
Jurors are expected to hear from witnesses, including a former L.A. County sheriff’s deputy specializing in traffic crashes.
The trial, anticipated to last six weeks, could see Grossman facing up to 34 years in prison if convicted of all charges. During a preliminary hearing, a deputy testified that Grossman was driving at 71.7 mph when the boys were struck.
Grossman’s Current Status and Trial Duration
Rebecca Grossman, who has been out on $2 million bond, contends that face-to-face consultations are crucial for effective care.
Her trial is set to delve into details about the crash, her alleged impairment, and the events leading up to the tragic inciden
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