A wealthy socialite from Los Angeles is appealing her double murder conviction for driving her car into two young brothers in a crosswalk.
Rebecca Grossman, 62, a mother of two, is requesting a new trial. Her attorney argues that the judge during her trial didn’t adequately instruct the jury before she was found guilty of second-degree murder in the deaths of Jacob and Mark Iskander in Westlake Village, roughly 55 miles from Los Angeles.
Attorney Lara Gresley told a three-judge panel that the prosecution didn’t establish that Grossman, who was driving a Mercedes SUV at high speeds after drinking, understood that her actions could likely lead to death.
The tragic incident occurred in 2020 while the Iskander family was on an outing. The boys were struck in front of their shocked parents.
At the time of the crash, Grossman was reportedly traveling at 131 mph in a 45 mph zone. In February 2025, she was convicted of grossly negligent homicide, vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run resulting in death, leading to a court order to pay $47,000 to the victims’ family.
Following the sentencing, which attracted widespread media attention, Grossman was given a 15-year prison term.
During the recent court proceedings, Gresley claimed there were signs of bias and misdirection from the original judge, Joseph Brandolino. Gresley emphasized that while Grossman’s driving was reckless, there was evidence suggesting she did care for human life.
Acting presiding judge Karl Moore highlighted that evidence presented during the trial indicated Grossman was engaging in risky driving activities just before the fatal incident.
According to prosecutors, Grossman’s appeal should be dismissed entirely.
Dr. Peter Grossman, who attended the hearing, chose not to comment afterward. Meanwhile, a lawyer representing Grossman mentioned she’s trying to stay positive despite her incarceration, acknowledging prison isn’t a pleasant experience.
Nicole Mastro, a family friend of the victims, expressed her frustration with Grossman’s apparent lack of acknowledgment regarding the severity of her actions. She conveyed the continuous anguish faced by the Iskander family in dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy.
