A Southern California socialite was found guilty on Friday of murder and other charges in the fatal hit-and-run of two young siblings in a crosswalk more than three years ago.
Authorities say Rebecca Grossman, the wife of a prominent Los Angeles burn doctor, was speeding behind a car being driven by her then-boyfriend, former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson, when Mark Iskander, 32, was struck by Mark Iskander. 11 years old) and his younger brother Jacob (8 years old).
A jury found Grossman guilty on all charges. There were two counts each of second-degree murder and gross negligence resulting in death, and one count of felony hit-and-run causing death.
She will have 34 years left until her life sentence.
The fatal accident occurred on the night of September 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, a city on the western edge of Los Angeles County.
After the verdict, his mother, Nancy Iskander, told reporters that attending court “was like attending the boys’ funerals all over again every day.”
“Now someone is in charge. Mark and Jacob didn’t die, Mark and Jacob were killed.”
Grossman was not charged with being under the influence of alcohol, but former baseball player Royce Clayton testified that he joined her and Erickson at a nearby restaurant, where Erickson had two margaritas and Grossman had one. The Los Angeles Times reported.
Prosecutors said a data recorder in Grossman’s white Mercedes showed she sped to 81 mph (130 kph) and then hit the brakes to slow to 73 mph (117 kph). The evidence was submitted less than two seconds after the fire occurred. Airbag.
The District Attorney’s Office praised the jury’s verdict in a statement.
“This decision underscores our determination to hold accountable those who drive with a complete disregard for human life,” it said in a statement.
“While we know this conviction will never replace their lives, we hope it brings some peace to the Iskandar family as they continue their lifelong journey of healing from this tragedy. .”
Tony Buzbee, Mr. Grossman’s lead defense attorney, said the retired baseball player’s car may have struck Jacob, thrown him to the curb, then struck him and thrown him into the path of Mr. Grossman’s Mercedes. The Times reported that he repeatedly placed the blame on Erickson.
Buzbee did not immediately respond to a request for comment after the verdict was read.
Eriksson’s lawyer said the former player denies contributing in any way to the tragedy.
Erickson was initially charged with misdemeanor reckless driving, but the charge was dismissed after the official release, the Times reported.
Nancy Iskander testified that although the black SUV did not hit her sons, it may have hit her and her 5-year-old son, Zachary.
She said she jumped out of the way and pulled Zachary to safety.
The mother said she did not see Mark and Jacob hit, but three witnesses said they saw a white or light-colored car hit the boys.
Grossman’s husband, Dr. Peter Grossman, medical director of the Grossman Burn Center, was called to testify by his wife’s defense.
The Grossmans are the founders of the Grossman Burn Foundation, which promotes care and support for burn survivors.
Peter Grossman said he and his wife were separated at the time and were living separate lives under the same roof, dating other people.
His wife was involved with Erickson in 2020, he testified.
When questioned by prosecutors, Peter Grossman said he had ridden with Rebecca Grossman hundreds of times and never remembered her speeding.
