Share this @internewscast.com

A Southern California socialite was found guilty Friday of murder and other charges in the hit-and-run deaths of two young brothers in a crosswalk more than three years ago.

Authorities said Rebecca Grossman, wife of a prominent Los Angeles burn doctor, fatally struck Mark Iskander, 11, and brother Jacob, 8, while speeding behind a car driven by then-lover Scott Erickson, a former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher.

The jury found Grossman guilty on all counts: Two felony counts each of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter, and one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. She faces 34 years to life in prison.

The deadly crash occurred on the evening of Sept. 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, a city on the western edge of Los Angeles County.

Attending the court proceedings “felt like I am attending the funeral of the boys again, day after day,” their mother, Nancy Iskander, told reporters after the verdict. “Someone is now held accountable. Mark and Jacob did not die, Mark and Jacob were murdered.”

Grossman was not charged with being under the influence, but former baseball player Royce Clayton testified he had joined her and Erickson at a nearby restaurant where Erickson had two margaritas and Grossman had one, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Prosecutors presented evidence that the data recorder in Grossman’s white Mercedes showed she was speeding at up to 81 mph and tapped her brakes, slowing her to 73 mph, less than two seconds before a collision that set off her airbags.

The district attorney’s office commended the jury for its ruling in a statement.

“This decision underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who drive with total disregard for human life,” the statement said. “We know that this guilty verdict can never replace their lives but we hope it may provide some peace for the Iskander family as they continue a life-long journey of healing from this tragedy.

Grossman’s lead defense attorney, Tony Buzbee, repeatedly blamed Erickson for the deaths, suggesting the retired baseball player’s car hit Jacob, hurling him to a curb, and then hit Mark, throwing him into the path of Grossman’s Mercedes, the Times reported.

Buzbee did not immediately return a request for comment after the verdict was read.

An attorney for Erickson has said the former ballplayer denies contributing in any way to the tragedy. Erickson was initially charged with a misdemeanor count of reckless driving but it was dismissed after he made a public service announcement, the Times said.

Nancy Iskander testified that the black SUV did not hit her sons but could have hit her and her 5-year-old son, Zachary. She said she dove out of the way and pulled Zachary to safety.

The mother said she did not see Mark and Jacob being struck but three eyewitnesses testified they saw a white or light-colored vehicle hit the boys.

Grossman’s husband, Dr. Peter Grossman, medical director of the Grossman Burn Centers, was called to testify by his wife’s defense. The Grossmans are founders of the Grossman Burn Foundation, which promotes care and support of burn survivors.

Peter Grossman said he and his wife were separated at the time, living separate lives under the same roof while dating other people. His wife was involved with Erickson in 2020, he testified.

Under prosecution questioning, Peter Grossman said that out of the hundreds of times he rode with Rebecca Grossman he had no recollection of her ever speeding.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Third US military aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East

Third US Aircraft Carrier Deploys to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

The United States has increased its naval presence in the Middle East,…
Trump calls for 2020 presidential election to be 'permanently wiped from the books' if Southern Poverty Law Center convicted of fraud

Trump Urges Erasure of 2020 Election Results Amid Controversy Involving Southern Poverty Law Center

On Friday, former President Trump suggested that the 2020 election should be…
Prosecutors seek 30-year prison term for South Korea's Yoon for drone flights over Pyongyang

Prosecutors Request 30-Year Sentence for South Korea’s Yoon Over Drone Operations in Pyongyang

On Friday, South Korean prosecutors called for a 30-year prison sentence for…
Spencer Pratt blasts LA's $40M MacArthur Park plan

Spencer Pratt Criticizes LA’s $40M Investment in MacArthur Park Redevelopment

Amidst plans to inject $40 million into revitalizing Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park,…
Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine, kills married couple, officials say

Tragic Russian Strike on Odesa Claims Lives of Beloved Couple: Ukrainian Officials Report

Ukrainian authorities reported that a Russian drone assault on the southern city…
Simple act can lower risk of early death by 45%: new study

Discover the Simple Habit That Could Slash Your Risk of Early Death by 45%

Participating in elections might just be your ticket to both civic responsibility…
North Carolina woman charged in alleged Houston synagogue attack plot as investigators search for 2 others

Breaking: North Carolina Woman Arrested in Houston Synagogue Attack Plot as Authorities Hunt for Additional Suspects

A woman from North Carolina has been formally charged in connection with…
Former North Carolina police officer arrested for allegedly planning mass shooting at New Orleans festival

Ex-North Carolina Police Officer Detained for Suspected Plot to Stage Mass Shooting at New Orleans Festival

A former police officer from North Carolina has been apprehended in Florida…
California 'spiked drinks' bill moves ahead

California Advances Legislation on ‘Spiked Drinks

Individuals with ill intentions in California bars should take note: the state…
Ukraine pitches 'Donnyland' to honor Trump's aid against Russia: report

Ukraine Proposes ‘Donnyland’ Tribute to Recognize Trump’s Support in Russia Conflict

According to a recent report, Ukrainian officials have proposed renaming a portion…
USF missing students: Body found on Howard Franklin bridge ID'd as Zamil Limon; Nahida Bristy still missing; roommate is charged

Tragic Discovery: Zamil Limon’s Body Found on Howard Franklin Bridge While Search for Nahida Bristy Continues; Roommate Faces Charges

In Tampa, Florida, authorities have discovered the body of one of two…
Lefty senate candidate Graham Platner argues that US should be 'far more cooperative' with China on climate change issues

Left-Wing Senate Hopeful Graham Platner Advocates for Enhanced US-China Climate Collaboration

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has pledged to enhance relations with China should…