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Friday October 11, 2024

Woman kills two younger brothers, faces 34 years in jail

Prominent figure Rebecca Grossman faces 34 years to life in prison for killing Mark and Jacob Iskander

By Web Desk
February 24, 2024
Rebecca Grossman, left, and her daughter Alexis walk toward the Van Nuys Courthouse on Feb. 14. —  Los Angeles Times
Rebecca Grossman, left, and her daughter Alexis walk toward the Van Nuys Courthouse on Feb. 14. —  Los Angeles Times

A jury on Friday delivered a verdict that Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, found guilty in the tragic killing of two young brothers, Mark and Jacob Iskander, ages 11 and 8. 

The incident occurred as the children crossed a street in Westlake Village, struck by Grossman's speeding Mercedes.

As the news unfolded, Alexis Grossman, Rebecca's daughter, couldn't contain her emotions, expressing disbelief with tears streaming down her cheeks. 

The Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino, underscoring the need for justice, ordered Grossman into custody, prompting a heartbreaking reaction from her daughter.

The six-week trial presented contrasting narratives as Deputy Dist. Atty. Jamie Castro asserted that it was not a tragic accident but murder. While defense attorney Tony Buzbee repeatedly questioned the involvement of former Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson. 

Prosecutors argued that Grossman, with a history of speeding, acted with conscious disregard for human life.

As the jury deliberated, the victims' father, Kareem Iskander, expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you for not falling into the imaginary conspiracy theories and tricks." 

Nancy Iskander, the boys' mother, acknowledged the justice system but refrained from celebrating. "No one wishes that on anyone," she said, expressing empathy for Grossman's children.

The sentencing, scheduled for April 10, awaits Grossman, who faces 34 years to life in prison.