Convicted socialite Rebecca Grossman is demanding a venue change in the wrongful death lawsuit filed against her.
The parents of two young boys who lost their lives when Grossman, driving under the influence, collided with them, are pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against Grossman and her former MLB star partner Scott Erickson. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Huey Cotton denied a motion to expedite the proceedings. Consequently, the trial is set to commence on its original date of December 1.
On a September evening shortly after 7 p.m., the Iskander family—comprising Jacob, Mark, their siblings, and parents—decided to take a walk to a nearby lake. As the six-member family was crossing a crosswalk at a three-way intersection, mother Nancy became aware of a speeding car approaching them.
Nancy recalls that her husband and daughter were positioned further away from the road. She attempted to alert the oncoming SUVs to slow down and was able to pull one of her children back, managing to dive to safety. However, Jacob and Mark were struck. Mark Iskander succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Jacob passed away later at the hospital. According to police reports, Mark was thrown a distance of 254 feet.
Nancy Iskander told police that two SUVs were “zig-zagging with each other as if they were playing or racing.”
She said the drivers didn’t stop at the intersection, not even when the 11-year-old was on the hood of the car. Deputies reportedly caught up with a white Mercedes with significant front-end damage a third of a mile from the scene. Behind the wheel was Rebecca Grossman.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said they believed that the vehicle was traveling over 80 miles per hour. Grossman’s breathalyzer test after the crash showed a blood-alcohol content of 0.076%, according to local news reports. The legal limit in California is 0.08%. A blood sample taken three hours after the crash registered at the 0.08% mark.
Rebecca Grossman was charged and convicted of two felony counts each of second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. Grossman was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
- Mark Klaas – Founder, Klaas Kids Foundation
- Kathleen Murphy – North Carolina, Family Attorney
- Dr. Angela Arnold – Atlnta Psychiatrist. Expert in the Treatment of Pregnant/Postpartum Women, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University, Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital
- Sheryl McCollum – Forensic Expert & Cold Case Investigative Research Institute Founder, Former Director of MADD, Georgia
- Joseph Scott Morgan – Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author of “Blood Beneath My Feet,” and Host: “Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;” X @JoScottForensicith Joseph Scott Morgan;” X:@JoScottForensic
- Ray Caputo – Lead News Anchor for Orlando’s Morning News, 96.5 WDBO
TIPLINE: Mothers Against Drunk Driving 24-Hour Victim Help Line: 877.MADD.HELP or 1-877-623-3435.
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo: Jacob and Mark Iskander [Handout]]
